Public Health

Mission Statement

Our goal at Columbia County Public Health is to protect and promote the health and safety of each resident in Columbia County. Columbia County Public Health provides health related information, addresses public health concerns, partners with the State of Washington and the national Public Health Network to provide up-to-date information to our community. Columbia County Public Health works to empower people to develop and strengthen a healthy, safe, and resilient community.

Programs and Services

  • ABCD Dental
  • Accountable Communities of Health
  • Basic Food Stamps
  • Birth Records
  • Children w/ Special Health Care Needs
  • Death Records
  • Environmental Health
  • Food Worker Cards
  • Foundational Public Health Services
  • Health Benefit Exchange
  • Immunization Records
  • Marijuana Prevention and Education
  • Maternal Child Health
  • Medicaid Insurance Signup and Renewal
  • Public Health Emergency Preparedness
  • Restaurant Inspections
  • Sewer Inspections
  • SNAP Education
  • Tobacco Prevention and Education
  • WIC Benefits

Here at the Public Health, we are in close contact with all local stakeholders, including healthcare and local school districts, and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). We have been participating in daily webinars and calls to stay up to date on the current situation.

Many parts across the world are experiencing an expanding outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The risk to the public in Columbia County is still relatively low; however please take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
  • Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.
  • Consult CDC's travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms. If you are feeling sick with mild symptoms and do not need to see medical care, stay home while you recover. If you are sick and plan to seek care, please call before going in for care so arrangements can be made to prevent exposing others. For urgent medical needs, call 911.

COVID-19 in Columbia County

Columbia County Public Health offers free Covid-19 TEST KITS. If you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or have been exposed to Covid-19 and need a rapid test kit please call Public Health from outside of the building for assistance and we will bring a kit out to you. 509-382-2181. If you are not feeling well or prefer not to come to the Public Health office, we will continue to serve your needs through web-based services, phone or email. 

Columbia County Public Health does not provide COVID-19 vaccines or boosters at this time. Columbia County Health Systems offers COVID-19 testing and vaccines/boosters. Please contact your health care provider for more information. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should call their health care provider in advance so the facility can take steps to prevent exposing others. 

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