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Shining a light on safety before, during & after the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse
Unless you’ve been living on the dark side of the moon, you’ve probably heard about the total solar eclipse occurring the morning of Aug. 21 in Idaho. So, it’s a good time to talk about preparation and...
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1st rabid bat of the season found – Take precautions to protect yourself &...
Each year, rabid bats are discovered throughout the state. The first this year was recently found in Bingham County. Public health officials want to remind people to take precautions around bats and...
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Kootenai County reports first human case of West Nile virus infection
Idaho’s first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection for 2017 has been confirmed in a Kootenai County resident. The resident, over the age of 50, is recovering from West Nile neuroinvasive...
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Six SWITC employees disciplined for abuse, neglect of residents
NAMPA – The Department of Health and Welfare has finished its investigation into allegations of physical and psychological abuse and neglect by staff members involving seven adult residents at the...
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Avoid harmful algal blooms when enjoying Idaho waters this summer
Idaho has many beautiful lakes and reservoirs where you can fish, boat, and swim. Most of the year these bodies of water are safe to enjoy. However, when water temperatures rise and the right type of...
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WIC program sponsors 1st-ever Idaho Breastfeeding Summit to continue support...
In the summer of 2016, the Idaho Women, Infants, Children (WIC) program’s breastfeeding accomplishments helped it receive a Breastfeeding Bonus Award of $103,882 from the U.S. Department of...
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Limiting your exposure to smoky air is the healthy thing to do
Wildfire season has arrived, and with it, the smoky air that can make it difficult to breathe. Air quality is a big deal this time of year, and it changes depending on where the wildfires are and which...
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Bart Buckendorf recognized as Idaho EMS Pediatric Provider of the Year
We’re proud to announce that Bart Buckendorf of Ada County Paramedics is the recipient of the first annual “Pediatric Provider of the Year” award given by the Idaho Bureau of Emergency Medical Services...
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It’s National Immunization Awareness Month: Protect yourself, your family &...
This month is National Immunization Awareness Month, so with summer winding down and many kids already going back to school, be sure to check immunization requirements, especially for kindergartners...
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September is National Recovery Month: Strengthen families & communities...
September is National Recovery Month and it’s is a good time to talk about mental illness and substance use disorders with the hope that every time we talk about them, a little more of the stigma...
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Preventing suicide in Idaho: Rock your role and know the warning signs
Completed suicides are statistically rare, but Idaho has some of the highest rates of suicide in the United States, ranking 5th in the nation in 2015. Though rates are high, it’s important to know that...
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Public health officials advise Idahoans to limit time outside as air quality...
BOISE — Smoke from several wildfires in Idaho and surrounding states is affecting the air quality for residents in nearly every Idaho community and is expected to continue to do so for the next...
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Disasters don’t plan ahead – but you can! It’s National Preparedness Month
Living in Idaho, it’s easy to think that we don’t have to worry as much about disasters like the hurricanes that have hit the Gulf Coast and East Coast this season. But wildfires, flooding and even...
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“When I was 15, I broke my pinky and the doctor prescribed hydrocodone. And I...
The 2nd annual Recovery Month Awards and Proclamation celebration was held Sept. 1, 2017 at the Idaho State Capitol to kick off national Recovery Month this month, dedicated to strengthening families...
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Pathways Community Crisis Center set to open in December
The Department of Health and Welfare is pleased to announce that Pathways Community Crisis Center is on track to open in early December in Boise. Pathways of Idaho has been awarded the contract to...
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Safely canning foods at home: When in doubt, throw it out!
It’s harvest time, and if you’re lucky, you have plenty of produce from your garden to go around. Canning it is a great way to preserve it and share it with family and friends, but it can be risky if …...
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Living with – and safely treating – chronic pain
Sometimes we blame it on age, a friendly basketball game that got a little too competitive or simply just not being in great physical condition, but just about everyone feels a little pain now and...
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Director Russell Barron kicks off IDHW employee’s United Way charitable...
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Russell Barron visited the United Way of Treasure Valley Basic Needs Pantry in Boise recently to announce the kickoff of the 2017 Idaho State Employee’s...
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Northern Idaho man dies from flu-related illness as flu season gets an early...
A northern Idaho man over the age of 50 has died from an influenza-related illness. “The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is warning residents that the flu season appears to have arrived early...
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Flu season has arrived in Idaho – Get your annual vaccination by end of October!
We at the Department of Health and Welfare have started tracking flu season, and you know what that means — it’s time to get the annual flu vaccine. We have had some indications that the season may hit...
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