Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department supports women’s sexual and reproductive rights.

Last week, the Supreme Court reversed history by overturning Roe v. Wade. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department supports the reproductive rights of all women. 

“The decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade harms women and public health as a whole,” said Dr. Anthony L-T Chen, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Director of Health. “Health is the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being."

• Learn more in this Health Department news release. 

Kids as young as 6 months old are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. Two vaccines are authorized for younger children: Moderna – 6 months to 5-years-old, 2 doses 4 weeks apart. Pfizer – 6 months to 4-years-old, 3 doses. The second dose is 3 weeks after the first followed by a third dose at least 8 weeks after the second. We have both available at our South Hill Mall and Lakewood Towne Center clinics. We'll offer them at more events soon. Most healthcare providers and pharmacies around the county also offer these doses. Find your vaccine at tpchd.org/vaxtothefuture.

Teens came to us for mental health help. We helped put a plan into action. When teens say they need help, we listen. Recently, youth working with our Youth Cannabis and Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program told us teens are in crisis and need mental health help. We quickly developed a plan to pilot a teen Mental Health First Aid training program. It's one of several innovative new projects funded by the behavioral health tax in Pierce County. Learn more in this Your Reliable Source blog.

We celebrated Juneteenth. It’s an important time to honor the history and future of America. Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for more than 150 years. This year, Juneteenth was recognized as a state holiday for the first time with the Health Department and many workplaces closing to offer a moment of reflection for the history of our country and the future we seek. Learn more in this Your Reliable Source blog.

Do you have a well near the Key Peninsula shoreline?

• Test your drinking water for chloride, conductivity and arsenic.
• On June 28 or July 5, you can pick up a free test kit at Longbranch Improvement Club or Key Peninsula Civic Center and drop off your filled bottles the next week.

Look for the white Health Department vehicle in the parking lot.

Questions? Email ehdrinkingwater@tpchd.org.

Get the latest.

You can stay informed on many health topics affecting you, your family, and your community. Let’s work together to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County. You can start by signing up for our email updates.

Looking for COVID-19 treatment?

You may have seen info on the test-to-treat program. It connects high-risk COVID-19 patients with a life-saving drug called Paxlovid. Many of you still have questions. We have answers:
If you test positive for COVID-19 and are high risk for hospitalization or death, you’re eligible.
Timing is important. You should start medication within 5 days of your first symptoms.
 A few sites like pharmacies, doctors' offices and testing sites provide all the services in one place. You’ll get a test, consultation and treatment.
In most cases, you’ll take a COVID-19 test at home or at a free testing site.
If you test positive and have a primary care provider, consult with them and they’ll give you a prescription.
If you don’t have a provider, or if you can’t get in right away, you can consult with a virtual test-to-treat provider. Call (360) 688-7044. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a free prescription to fill at your local pharmacy. 

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