Health 814 results

Blood-donation pop-ups in West Seattle, with an extra purpose

Bloodworks Northwest has a long list of springtime pop-up donation dates in West Seattle – and says there is a special reason those donations will matter more than ever: The blood bank is part of BERC (Blood Emergency Readiness Corps), 30 blood centers representing 37 states. BNW explaind. “BERC was formed to better prepare for mass transfusion needs when mass-injury emergencies strike. As part of the BERC partnership, Bloodworks commits to collecting extra units on a rotating ‘on call’ schedule to create an available supply for nationwide emergency needs.” It just wrapped up a week “on call” and is up again March 27 through April 2. Your donation “could be used to help patients locally or be sent anywhere in the US if there is a catastrophe in another part of our country.” So if you can donate blood, pick a date, time, and location by going here.

CORONAVIRUS: State to end 3 mask requirements, including health care and long-term care

Just received from the state Health Department:

Effective April 3, the Washington State Department of Health will end the Secretary of Health Mask Order, which currently requires universal masking in health care, long-term care, and adult correctional facilities for people age 5 and older.

In Washington, COVID-19, RSV, and influenza disease rates and hospitalizations have continued to decline since the end of last year. The end of Washington’s universal masking requirements aligns with similar announcement made today by the state of Oregon.

“Masks have been – and will continue to be – an important tool, along with vaccinations, to keep people healthy and safe,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “We are thankful for our health and long-term care providers, staff members, patients, and all Washingtonians, for following the important public health measures put in place during the pandemic to protect one another.”

DOH infection prevention and control guidance continues to recommend masks for patients, healthcare providers, and visitors in healthcare settings. Licensed healthcare facilities are required to have infection prevention policies and programs consistent with CDC guidance.

Several worker protection requirements enforced by the state’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) remain in effect, including that employees and contractors may choose to use face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job without employer retaliation. Additionally, under the state Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) rules, several key worker protections remain in place until the federal pandemic response declaration ends May 11.

The current Secretary of Health Mask Order will remain in place until 11:59 pm on April 2. Local or tribal governments, facilities, and providers may choose to continue to require masks in these or other settings.

VACCINATION: Flu, COVID shot clinic in West Seattle on Sunday

January 31, 2023 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on VACCINATION: Flu, COVID shot clinic in West Seattle on Sunday
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

The Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW) is hosting another community vaccination clinic this Sunday – here’s the announcement:

COVID/Flu Vaccine Clinic
Community School of West Seattle
Feb 5, 2023
11 AM-4 PM

All approved COVID vaccines for 6-months+ olds! Pediatric (starting at 6 months) and adult flu vaccines, but no high-dose geriatric flu vaccines available.

Preregistration encouraged: tinyurl.com/2p8yz32m

We just checked at that link and plenty of appointments are available. If you prefer QR codes, there’s one on this event flyer. They say walk-ins will be welcome, too.

ELECTION 2023: County Council might decide Tuesday on whether to send $1.25 billion behavioral-health levy to voters (update: they will)

ORIGINAL MONDAY REPORT: Another special election will be ahead in April if the King County Council votes Tuesday – or shortly thereafter – to send a $1.25 billion behavioral-health levy to voters. The meeting preview says the measure would create a nine-year property tax levy to fund “four key goals,” listed as follows:

*Create five new regional crisis care centers: Distributed geographically across the county, the centers would provide walk-in access and the potential for short-term stays to help people stabilize, depending on needs, with one center specifically serving youth.

*Preserve and restore the dramatic loss of residential treatment beds: In 2018, 355 beds providing community-based residential care for people with mental health residential needs existed in King County. Today, only 244 of these beds are available.

*Grow the behavioral health workforce pipeline: The proposal would create career pathways through apprenticeship programming and access to higher education, credentialing, training, and wrap-around supports. It would also invest in equitable wages for the workforce at crisis care centers.

*Provide immediate services while centers are being constructed: The proposal would also use initial proceeds to quickly create mobile or site-based crisis behavioral health services that can operate until the first crisis care centers open. This bridge strategy would complement recent state and federally-funded-mobile crisis teams.

The need for these services has expanded greatly in recent years, according to sponsors. They elaborate in the full text of the proposal going before county councilmembers at 1 pm Tuesday, which you can read here (page 50). If passed as written, the levy would cost the owner of a median-priced King County home – $694,000 in 2021 valuations – $10 a month in 2024. You can comment to the council before or during the hybrid (online and in-person downtown) meeting; the agenda explains how.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Per a statement from the County Executive’s Office, the county council did indeed approve sending the levy to voters in April.

ALSO TODAY: Pop-up blood drive in Highland Park

January 12, 2023 11:48 am
|    Comments Off on ALSO TODAY: Pop-up blood drive in Highland Park
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Thanks to the reader who just sent word of this – the American Red Cross has a pop-up blood drive at Bethany Community Church in Highland Park this afternoon/evening, 1-6:30 pm. Appointments required (type 98106 in the search box on that page); when we checked, openings were listed between 1:30 and 4:30 pm. The church is at 8600 9th SW; \\

Uninsured? Underinsured? Health help in Highland Park on Saturday

January 12, 2023 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Uninsured? Underinsured? Health help in Highland Park on Saturday
 |   Health | Highland Park | West Seattle news

A health-insurance enrollment event at Highland Park Elementary 10 am-2 pm this Saturday (January 14th) is open to everyone and offering some services – health and otherwise – for people in need:

HEALTH INSURANCE
-Get enrolled into health insurance.
-Find our health insurance options.
-Apple Health Insurance (Children, Pregnant Women, & Adults).

MAMMOGRAMS
 Women 40 & older & You must live in King County
 Uninsured or Underinsured
 Immigration status is not a factor
 Call for an appointment 800-756-5437

ADULT DENTAL SERVICES
Treatment for URGENT dental needs: Extractions – Filings – X-Rays – Exams – Pain/Swelling
 Must be a King County resident.
 Immigration status is not a factor.
 Not eligible for Apple Health (Medicaid) due to citizenship status.
 Meet income guidelines
 Call for an appointment: 800-756-5437

ALSO
-ORCA Lift Enrollment with preloaded cards. If you’re on TANF or SSI you get free fare for one year.
-City of Seattle Utility assistance Applications.
-COVID Vaccines (with gift card)
-Free lunch provided by Soul Fusion Food Truck!
-Cell phones & more

HPES is at 1012 SW Trenton.

You might be invited to participate in national health survey

Public Health – Seattle & King County says some West Seattle participants are being sought for an invitation-only, voluntary national health survey starting soon. Here’s their announcement explaining the survey:

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the most comprehensive survey of the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, is coming to King County beginning on January 4, 2023.

All counties and cities in the United States have a chance to be selected for the NHANES and, this year, King County is one of 15 counties selected to be part of this initiative. Each year, only 5,000 residents nationwide are chosen to participate in NHANES, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

NHANES provides important national data on critical public health issues. “NHANES serves as the nation’s ‘health check-up’ by going into communities throughout the country to collect health information,” said Brian C. Moyer, PhD, Director of the NCHS. “The survey provides a wealth of important data about many of the major health and nutritional issues affecting the country.”

“I’m so pleased that our community was selected to participate in this year’s study,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health — Seattle & King County. “I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate to do so. The information provided by our residents will help us to better inform our policy makers and provide us with important information as we make decisions on how to best use our public health resources to meet the needs of our community.”

Since 1960, NHANES has had a prominent role in improving the health of all people living in the U.S. NHANES data address critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use this information to develop evidence-based health policies, direct and design health programs and services, and expand the health knowledge of the nation. NHANES data also help produce national references and standardized growth charts used by pediatricians across the country.

NHANES collects a broad range of data that affect the lives of everyone in the country, regardless of age, addressing everything from air quality to the low-fat and “light” foods found in grocery stores.

Study participant selection and study involvement

An NHANES team of health professionals, nutritionists, and health technicians is heading to King County and urges everyone who has been selected for the survey to participate.

Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in NHANES. Addresses are randomly sampled within the county. By selecting participants this way, when combining data from all counties visited this year, NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.

Randomly selected households will be sent one or more letters inviting them to be part of NHANES by completing a brief online questionnaire to see if anyone in their home is eligible to take part. Those eligible will be contacted by an NHANES representative to set up a telephone health interview at a convenient time, followed by a health examination that takes place in the NHANES mobile examination center. While no medical care is provided directly in the mobile examination center, a report on physical findings is given to each participant, along with an explanation of those findings from survey medical staff.

Benefits of participating in NHANES, if selected:

-Participants receive a free and comprehensive health and nutrition evaluation.
-Participants help develop and evolve national health programs and policies.
-Participants receive a token of appreciation for their time.

All information collected in the survey is kept confidential and individual privacy is protected by law. NHANES is taking all precautions needed, as recommended by the CDC, to keep survey participants and staff safe by following guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, handwashing, and sanitation of the mobile examination center and all equipment.

You can find out more about the survey, including data spanning decades, here.

Ready for a running start to 2023? Get Fit West Seattle Info Night on Wednesday

If you’re among the many resolved to boost your fitness level in the new year, here’s an option: Wednesday night, West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) hosts the next Info Night for its Get Fit West Seattle program. This is training that will get you from “couch to half-marathon” within just a few months, starting with a one-mile run next Saturday morning. But first, show up at the shop at 7 pm Wednesday (January 4th) for an explanation of the program and a chance to ask questions. (If you have any in advance, you can email lori@westseattlerunner.com.)

HEALTH: New therapy program ‘for anyone looking to improve their lives’

If your plans for the new year include getting help to improve your life, Laura Bruco, MSW, LSWAIC (WSB sponsor) is offering a program that starts in January. Here’s the announcement:

I’m excited to announce that Registration is OPEN for the next 12-week intensive therapy program!

I specialize in working with adult clients who need more intensive therapy than 2-4 hours per month, and who benefit from a program that is fully online in the evenings.

The program is appropriate for anyone looking to improve their lives. This includes folks previously diagnosed with complex trauma / PTSD, personality disorders, emotion regulation disorders, dissociative disorders, substance use disorders and psychotic disorders. I welcome folks who have experienced oppression based on race, nation, gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, and more.

Program Dates: The first group session will be held on 1/23/2023 and the final group session will be on 4/13/2023.

Schedule: Groups will be held via Telehealth on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 pm.

Program Structure: Small closed group cohort of adults. Process-oriented so that clients know how to continue the process well after the program ends.

Discovery Group focused on exploration/development of the self and skills for managing life and relationships;
Experience Group focused on practicing and playing with new ways of relating to others; and
Individual Psychotherapy to support you with your individual needs as you move through the program. (Option to use existing therapist for this via the Partial Package.)

Visit the Program Details page for detailed information about the program.

Early bird registrations by December 31, 2022 are eligible for 20% off the total program fee! If you are interested but finances are an obstacle, please reach out about a sliding scale option (limited availability).

First Step: The first step to register is to schedule a 20-minute consultation with me to make sure it’s a good fit. There will be a $150 deposit upon registration.

Please reach out if you have any questions! Laura@TheCenterOfYou.net

VIDEO: State, federal health officials come to West Seattle with a message: Protect your older relatives and friends.

West Seattle’s Providence Mount St. Vincent was the venue today for a simple, urgent message delivered by federal Health and Human Services regional director Ingrid Ulrey and state Department of Health director Dr. Umair Shah: Before you spend time with senior friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure you’re not bringing them something unwanted as you bring gifts and good cheer – disease.

Briefing media after a private roundtable, they spotlighted the “tripledemic” that’s a factor right now – flu, COVID, and RSV – stressing that COVID in particular is not a thing of the past. It’s “not the disruptive force it used to be,” said Ulrey, but it’s still killing more than 300 people in the U.S. each day, and 90 percent of them are seniors. So, she urged, “show your love for your loved ones” – before gatherings, be up to date on vaccines and boosters, and take a COVID test. Here’s our video of the full briefing:

The other speakers were The Mount’s administrator Charlene Boyd, state AARP director Marguerite Ro, King County’s long-term-care ombudsman Pamela Williams, Mount residents’ son Chris Robert, and Public Health -Seattle & King County‘s adult-vaccine program manager Caren Goldenberg. In addition to urging everyone to get current on vaccines, the officials said that’s something long-term-care facilities nationwide have to work on, too, with only 47 percent of residents and 22 percent of staff up to date. Between the two sides of the effort, Williams said, it’s important to remember that care-facility residents have rights including “the right to be free of communicable diseases.” Indoor masking – as recently recommended by health officials – and good ventilation are important too.

The health officials also pointed out that federal and state programs offering free home COVID tests are still active. But some COVID-related resources have ended; we asked about their status. Dr. Shah called it a “complex issue”; Ulrey explained that Congress has failed so far to pass the White House request for resources including preparing for future pandemics. But in the short run, the bottom line of the briefing was that it’s time for you to do what you can and protect the people you love.

BIZNOTE: Mama Bear Midwife Care opens in north Morgan Junction

One of West Seattle’s newest businesses has opened in north Morgan Junction: Aneke Roach has launched Mama Bear Midwife Care Sanctuary at 6021 California SW. Roach, who’s been a certified midwife for more than 20 years, says, “The idea for this sanctuary was conceived from my seeing and feeling the difficulties that many pregnant people experience in their process of searching for loving care, exploring medical assistance alternatives, discovering a place to grow into parenthood, and enjoying this new chapter of their lives deeply.” She and her team plan to offer:

-holistic midwife care
-in-person childbirth education classes (CBE classes) during pregnancy
-midwife/monitrice and doula support during birth
-postpartum packages for lactation support and newborn care advice
-belly binding/ massage, bone closure ceremony, baby massage courses, lactation tea meetups, dads meetups
-fun events for all stages of becoming parents and early parenthood

You can find out more about Mama Bear Midwife Care via their website, here.

King County’s public-health officer, others recommend indoor mask-wearing, for three reasons

Those three reasons are RSV, flu, and COVID-19. From today’s announcement:

Public Health – Seattle & King Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin joins other local health officers and health care leaders in recommending masking in indoor public spaces and other prevention measures given the high level of respiratory viruses circulating and stress on hospitals.

Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. As health officers and health-care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents, we recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.

We also urge everyone who is eligible to stay up to date on your vaccinations. Vaccinations are the most important way to protect against severe influenza and COVID-19 infections, including hospitalization and death. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against these diseases and those who are eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster should get it now.

Other necessary strategies include:

-Staying home from work and school and testing for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms.
-Having a plan for rapid treatment for COVID-19 and influenza for people who are at increased risk for severe infections.
-Improving indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and UV technology where appropriate.

We expect the flu to circulate for months, so now is the time to get your flu shot!

You can see the full announcement – including the list of local health officers and health-care-organization leaders who have signed on to the recommendation – by going here.

VACCINATION: Another monkeypox clinic in West Seattle on Saturday

Just got word of another monkeypox vaccination event in West Seattle this weekend, for those who meet current eligibility criteria. Like the one in October, this is happening at Arthur’s (2311 California SW). First and second shots of the vaccine will be available 5-8 pm Saturday (December 10). No appointment needed – just show up. If you can’t get to this, watch here for other vaccination opportunities.

BIZNOTE: Changes for SoundYoga

Longtime WSB sponsor SoundYoga wants you to know, “We’re still here!” despite one big change. Here’s the announcement, and a request:

On February 2, 1998, Chris Dormaier, Yoga instructor and author, founded and began operating the SoundYoga studio at 5639 California Avenue SW.

For nearly 25 years at this location, Chris and her fellow teachers have provided various levels of Yoga classes and Yoga teacher training to many of our West Seattle and broader Seattle-area residents. This past summer, Chris was notified by her landlord that the SoundYoga lease would not be renewed. Well, the time has come to close the beautiful SoundYoga studio space. However, like many businesses, SoundYoga had pivoted to providing online classes during COVID and we will continue to offer online classes after the studio space is gone. We will also offer a limited number of in-person classes near our former studio. If you have studio space to share, please contact us at info@soundyoga.com.

Our last day in the studio was November 30, 2022, and we look forward to continuing to serve the West Seattle community and beyond via our online classes found at SoundYoga.com.

CORONAVIRUS: Another West Seattle COVID-testing site shuts down

Two months shy of two years after its opening, the Curative COVID-testing trailer at Don Armeni Boat Ramp has closed. We asked about its status after noticing it was no longer listed on the company’s webmap, though the trailer was still on site when we checked this morning. Curative spokesperson Pasquale Gianni tells WSB the company expects to close all its COVID-testing sites by the end of the year, unless “an unexpected demand for testing services” arises. (Gianni adds that the company is pivoting to another health-care venture, involving “a new approach to employer-based health insurance” that it’s launching in Austin, Texas.) For a while, Curative also had a testing van on the Summit Atlas campus in Arbor Heights, but closed that one in May.

With the Don Armeni Curative closure, one major testing site remains in West Seattle, in the parking lot of Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). UW Medicine operates that one in partnership with the city. We checked on its status; UW Medicine spokesperson Leila Gray tells WSB, “The site is likely to close when the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration expires. This is the official declaration of the COVID pandemic’s status as a national public health emergency. This Federal Emergency Declaration was last renewed October 13, 2022, as announced by U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and it would expire in about 3 months unless renewed.” So for now, that site remains in operation until further notice.

Also of note: The state Health Department is still offering free home-testing kits through at least the end of the year; this reminder last week explains how to get them.

ADDED TUESDAY: A commenter pointed out last night that the free-tests website says they’ve run out. We checked with the Health Department this morning; a spokesperson replied that they’re indeed out right now but: “We are working with our vendor to get a new supply, possibly as early as this week.”

WEST SEATTLE THANKSGIVING: 4 pre-turkey exercise options

November 22, 2022 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE THANKSGIVING: 4 pre-turkey exercise options
 |   Health | Holidays | West Seattle news

Before the cooking and feasting, you have a few ways to get moving on Thursday. The sun is supposed to be back just in time for the outdoor options, too. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

(West Seattle Runner photo from 2018 Gobble Gobble Group Run)

GOBBLE GOBBLE GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is bringing back its holiday-morning run, 8 am from Alki. If you can, bring a nonperishable-food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. Meetup location and other details are in our calendar listing.

THANKSGIVING NATURE WALK: West Seattle naturalist Ann is organizing this – meet at 8:45 am at the “Luna Girls on Alki” sculpture north of Salty’s – details in our calendar listing.

THANKSGIVING DONATION CLASS: 9 am Power Flow class at Dragonfly (3270 California SW), benefiting West Seattle Food Bank – info in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE YMCA: If you want to work out at the Y, the Triangle HQ (but not Fauntleroy) will be open 7 am-11 am on Thanksgiving. (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor)

Anything to add to the list? Email us! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

BIZNOTE: New services from Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, including delivery

November 11, 2022 3:37 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: New services from Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, including delivery
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

You can get almost anything delivered to your house/apartment – now, add physical therapy to the list. It’s one of two new services that Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) wants you to know about. Mark Bouma of LWPT West Seattle says, “We are now offering Delivered Physical Therapy visits to residents in West Seattle and medically based Personal Training.” Delivered PT might be your best option if, for example, you’re a post-operative patient, you don’t have transportation to the clinic or can’t currently drive, you have kids you don’t want to bring along, etc. Read more about it here; meet the physical therapists in this video. Medically based personal training is being offered by Lorilei “Ilei” Tinia, NASM-CPT (here’s her bio). Mark says, “She is seeing clients in our clinic space during the week and on weekends. Ilei works closely with our physical therapists to make sure the appropriate modifications are made to make your training program safe and effective. A Doctor of Physical Therapy is always nearby to help triage any aches or pains to keep you on track with your fitness goals.” Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle is at 1309 Harbor Avenue SW; contact info is here.

BIZNOTE: New ownership for Fitness Together West Seattle

(WSB photo: FTWS founder Bonnie Katz Sailors and new owner Bryan Habas)

Another successful West Seattle Junction business has just changed ownership.

But that’s the only thing changing about Fitness Together West Seattle (4546 California SW; WSB sponsor), say founder Bonnie Katz Sailors and new owner Bryan Habas.

Bonnie founded the personal-training fitness studio 16 years ago. “It’s been amazing, crazy, wonderful,” she told us during a chat in the studio. She even met her husband Duncan Sailors through FT – after hiring him as her second employee. And Fitness Together West Seattle not only survived the pandemic, but thrived – Bonnie says the past two years have been her best two years, “so we’re ending on a high note.”

Fitness Together started offering online training during the height of the pandemic, but even once in-person training resumed, one other crisis proved something of a boon: The West Seattle Bridge closure increased interest in fitness options close to home. And this family-owned business was ready to respond. Now, Bonnie’s ready for her next chapter, and that’s where Bryan comes in.

He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, still active in the Air National Guard, as well as an experienced management consultant with 15 years in the corporate world. But about a year and a half ago, he started looking for his own business to run. He found this one specializing in “something I love – fitness. … I fell in love with the idea of helping people.” After meeting Bonnie, he was impressed by Fitness Together West Seattle’s “great trainers, and great community.” Those trainers are all staying, Bonnie adds. The studio overall will continue “as similar as possible” to the way it’s been operating, Bryan says – “what Bonnie has built is so special.”

What’s next for her? She plans to concentrate full time on her art, examples of which are hanging in the studio – painting and photography.

And Bryan is now the leader of Fitness Together’s one-on-one training team. They’re always accepting new clients, and the studio is open six days a week (weekday evenings too). The model works, Bonnie says, because “everyone needs a coach!”

VACCINATION: Monkeypox clinic in White Center on Sunday

November 5, 2022 12:15 pm
|    Comments Off on VACCINATION: Monkeypox clinic in White Center on Sunday
 |   Health | West Seattle news | White Center

If you’re eligible for vaccination against monkeypox, another community clinic has been announced – noon-4 pm Sunday at the (otherwise not yet open) Lumber Yard Bar in White Center. Public Health – Seattle and King County at first circulated the wrong sign-up link but the correct one is available now (even though the landing page says COVID, not monkeypox) – start here. They also say they’ll be able to handle some walk-ins. The Lumber Yard is at 9630 16th SW.

SMOKE: Air-quality alert extended (again) and other notes

(WSB photo)

2:24 PM: That’s how it looked from Don Armeni Boat Ramp at midday today, and the online readings indicate it’s only gotten worse – right now those levels are higher than anything we’ve seen in repeated real-time-map checks during this early-fall smoke. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has officially extended the regional air-quality alert seven more hours, until midnight tomorrow night. And the air (lack of) quality is having other effects – just heard over Seattle Fire radio, for example, an order for all firefighters to cease non-essential activities such as training and head back to their stations. If you have to go outside, and are wondering if a mask would help, here’s a state fact sheet about that. As for what to do to protect indoor air quality, this page has some suggestions about that. Yes, rain is still expected by Friday.

3:37 PM: Seattle Public Utilities just announced that it’s closing transfer stations for the rest of the day because of the high smoke-pollution levels. … We saw a few headlines going by elsewhere declaring Seattle currently has “the worst air in the world” and verified that it’s the worst CITY air in the world right now – see the real-time worldwide list here.

THURSDAY PM NOTE: The alert has been extended again, until 10 am Friday.

VACCINATION: Monkeypox clinic in Admiral this Saturday

Just got word of another vaccination event in West Seattle this weekend. This one is offering the monkeypox vaccine to those who meet current eligibility criteria, and COVID boosters too. It’s happening at Arthur’s (2311 California SW) 7-10 pm Saturday (October 22). Arthur’s proprietor Rebecca Rice explains, “With the difficulty of finding a COVID booster, combined with the stress and fear in our community surrounding Monkeypox, representatives from King County Public health approached us to organize a safe and private space for vaccinating. This Saturday, we will open our doors to anyone seeking the Monkeypox vaccine. Along with this opportunity, Alki Beach Pride has partnered us with our local Safeway pharmacy to offer Covid boosters to those who choose to receive them. We are really hoping to see a great turnout and have worked diligently with the Admiral Pub, Alki Beach Pride, and King County Public Health to provide a space for individuals that is safe and welcoming.” No appointment needed – just show up. If you can’t get to this, watch here for other vaccination events.

VACCINATIONS: West Seattle flu and COVID pop-up clinics this weekend

If getting vaccinated is part of your plans in preparing for winter, here’s a reminder about clinics coming up this weekend, all for both children and adults:

FLU SHOTS: Everyone is welcome, not just students/staff/families, at the next Seattle Public Schools-presented clinic this Sunday at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), 9 am-3 pm Sunday (October 23). The appointment link is here.

COVID SHOTS: One opportunity on Saturday, 10 am-2 pm at the South Delridge Farmers’ Market (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor), details here including how to book an appointment (recommended but not required) … Two opportunities on Sunday – one is also at Madison Middle School, partly concurrent with the flu-shot clinic, 10 am-2 pm; info and registration link here, although we’re told they’ve been taking walk-ins at these clinics too. … Also on Sunday, the Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW) is hosting a COVID-vaccination clinic for ages 6 months and up, 1 pm-6 pm. Registration links are in our calendar listing.

CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle doctor retiring after 33 years

In our photo at right is West Seattle podiatrist Dr. Michael Vickers, who’s about to retire and hand over his patients to Dr. Ryan Schwanke (left). Here’s the announcement from West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic:

fter caring for the West Seattle community for over 33 years, Dr. Michael Vickers of West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic is retiring on October 28. Dr. Ryan Schwanke, a West Seattle resident and an experienced podiatrist and podiatric surgeon, will begin seeing patients at the clinic on October 31.

Here is the letter Dr. Vickers sent to his patients:

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement as of October 28, 2022. Caring for you, my patients, has been the most rewarding part of my 33 years with West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic. I have come to know many of my patients and their families as friends, and I am honored that many of you have asked me to care for two, and even three, generations. I have truly cherished my time as part of the West Seattle community.

I am excited to announce that Dr. Ryan Schwanke will be joining the practice full time this fall and will be assuming care of my patients. Dr. Schwanke is an experienced podiatrist and podiatric surgeon. He has been practicing in the Seattle area since completing his training at one of the top residencies in the country, the Swedish Foot and Ankle Surgery Residency Program at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. During his residency, both Dr. LaBella and I worked closely with Dr. Schwanke as he assisted with our outpatient surgeries and trained in a clinical setting with us here at West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic. I am confident you will welcome Dr. Schwanke and be very pleased with his care.

It has been an extremely rewarding experience to help West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic grow into one of the most respected foot and ankle clinics in the Pacific Northwest. It is a testament to our excellent team that providers from across the Puget Sound frequently refer their patients to us for foot and ankle care. West Seattle Foot & Ankle Clinic has been serving our community for 43 years and I know that Dr. LaBella, Dr. Schwanke, and our dedicated staff will continue that tradition.

Sincerely,
Michael B. Vickers, DPM

The clinic is in The Junction at 4520 42nd SW.