Cowlitz County Health & Human Services

08/31/2026

Today is the LAST DAY to apply for the Cowlitz County Board of Health!

Interested in serving on the Board of Health? Applications are available on the Cowlitz County Board of Health webpage, or you can submit your application in person to the Board of Cowlitz County Commissioners.

Apply online:
https://apps.co.cowlitz.wa.us/Forms/Boards-CommitteesApplication

Today is the last day to apply for Board of Health!

If you are interested, applications are available on the Cowlitz County Board of Health page or applications can be submitted to the Board of Cowlitz County Commissioners in person.

Application Link: https://apps.co.cowlitz.wa.us/Forms/Boards-CommitteesApplication

08/31/2026

Holiday Closure: In observance of the Labor Day holiday, all sections and locations of Health & Human Services will be closed on Monday, September 7. We will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

08/31/2026

International Overdose Awareness Day is today - a day to remember those lost to overdose, support individuals and families affected, and raise awareness about prevention and recovery. Learn more about Drug Overdose Prevention: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/2466/Drug-Overdose-Prevention

08/25/2026

Is your well water wafe? If you live in Cowlitz County, make sure to test your well water for arsenic and other contaminants. Don’t take chances with your health! Your family’s safety is worth it!Find a Lab: Use the Washington State Department of Ecology’s accredited laboratory search tool to locate a lab near you:
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/laboratorysearch, or call Ecology’s Laboratory Accreditation Unit at 360-871-8840 for assistance.

🔗Learn More: www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/ARSENIC

08/25/2026

📢 September is National Preparedness Month! Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing practical preparedness tips and educational information to help you and your community prepare for emergencies.

We’re bringing it all together with "Prepared Neighbors", our community preparedness event!
📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 10 AM–1 PM
📍 Home Depot – 580 7th Ave., Longview, WA 98632

What to expect:
• 20+ vendors and agencies with subject matter experts
• Preparedness information and resources
• Drawing prizes
• Food available for purchase

Follow along throughout September, then join us September 26 for Prepared Neighbors!
👉 Event details: https://BIT.LY/PREP26

Thank you to the following agencies/vendors for their participation and partnership throughout the year! PieTrio's Pizzeria Cowlitz County Health & Human Services Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Longview Fire Department Red Canoe Credit Union Longview Pioneer Lions Club
Lower Columbia CAP Red Cross Cascades Region
Family Health Center Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Timberland Legal Aid Penny Parvi – American Family Insurance Agent Working Families Tax Credit Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington Longview Home Depot; Longview Fred Meyer; Guardians Of the Children Puget Sound Chapter - GOC

08/21/2026

New this month! We’re excited to introduce the new Health Officer Corner, a place where Cowlitz County Health Officer Dr. Steve Krager shares updates and information on public health topics affecting our community.

In the first update, Dr. Krager discusses the recent Cyclospora outbreak and what it means for Washington. He covers:
• What we’re seeing in Washington and how it compares to the current outbreak.
• What the outbreak means for the food we eat.
• Simple food safety steps you can take to help prevent infection.
• When to talk to your doctor about testing for Cyclospora.

Get to know Dr. Krager and learn what you can expect from future Health Officer Corner updates.

🔗Webpage: www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/HealthOfficerCorner
📬 Subscribe to News Flash notifications whenever a new Health Officer Corner update is posted by visiting www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/list.aspx and opt in to Email and/or Text notifications for the “HHS – Health Officer Corner”.

08/21/2026

Who can order a birth or death certificate? If you need a birth or death certificate for official or personal use, the Washington State Department of Health has a 'Proof of Eligibility Matrix.' This guide helps you determine which documents you’re eligible to request based on your relationship to the person named in the certificate.

Learn more at:https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/422-178-AcceptableProofsOfEligibilityDocument.pdf

Make sure to have the correct documentation and permissions to avoid processing delays.

08/20/2026

Did you know that veterans, their families, and families of deceased veterans may be eligible for assistance through the Cowlitz County Veterans Relief Program?

Assistance may be available for food, housing and utilities, medical needs, counseling, natural disaster assistance, and death/burial expenses.

To apply, connect with one of these authorized agencies. They can help with eligibility and completing an application:

HEVIN
(360) 749-2016

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Service Office Post 1045
(360) 577-6757

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 32 & Cowlitz County Veterans Service Center
(360) 200-4611

You can also download the Veterans Relief Assistance application and appeal form on our website:
https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/2661/Apply-for-Veterans-Relief-Assistance

08/18/2026

Most Bats Don't Have Rabies - Bats play an important role in our environment. They help pollinate plants, spread seeds, and eat large numbers of insects.

Most bats do NOT have rabies, but it's still important to avoid touching bats and teach children to stay away from wild animals.

We can protect people and appreciate wildlife at the same time.

📲 Learn more: www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/rabies

08/18/2026

Interested in helping shape the health and well-being of our community? The Cowlitz County Board of Health has THREE openings for community members!

Learn more about the available positions and how to apply in the post below. ⬇️

Want to make a difference in the health and well-being of our community? The Board of Health has THREE openings!

We’re looking for community members to represent one of these three categories:

🔹 Public Health, Health Care Facilities & Providers

🔹 Consumers of Public Health

🔹 Other Community Stakeholders

✨ Three openings. Three perspectives. One healthier community.

If you’re interested in serving on the Board of Health, this is your chance to bring your voice, experience, and ideas to the table!

📣 Know someone who would be a great fit? share this post with them!

👉 More information about the positions and how to apply: https://apps.co.cowlitz.wa.us/Forms/Boards-CommitteesApplication

https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/32869/Board-of-Health-Applications