Washingtonian movement

Washington Poison Center appeals to legislators for increased support

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024

SEATTLE, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Poison Center (WAPC), Washington's nonprofit telehealth resource for poisoning and drug overdose, advocated for legislative support at the Washington State Capitol on February 7.

Key Points: 
  • SEATTLE, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Poison Center (WAPC), Washington's nonprofit telehealth resource for poisoning and drug overdose, advocated for legislative support at the Washington State Capitol on February 7.
  • The WAPC engaged legislators, their staff, and constituents on legislative priorities regarding fentanyl, as well as the WAPC's request for increased funding to strengthen public health initiatives.
  • Discussions with legislators centered on the unique intersections of the WAPC with state and local efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis.
  • As the single poison control center serving Washington, the WAPC assists Washingtonians and medical providers every day with overdose treatment advice.

State-Based Health Exchanges Achieve Unprecedented Enrollment, Providing Access to Health Insurance for Millions

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GetInsured, the leading provider of state-based health insurance exchange (SBE) technology platforms and associated consumer assistance centers, is celebrating the success of state clients during the record-breaking open enrollment period for plan year 2024. More than 21 million people enrolled for coverage, making it the third year in a row that Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment hit record levels.

Key Points: 
  • Medicaid's continuous enrollment, enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, came to end, and millions of Americans were disenrolled.
  • The resolution of the "family glitch" last year also expanded federal subsidies to millions of family members, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
  • This open enrollment period alone saw a 31% enrollment increase," said Pat Kelly, Executive Director of Your Health Idaho.
  • Nevada Health Link recently announced that 99,312 Nevadans enrolled in health insurance plans, making it the second-highest total in the state's history.

Drive Safely on Washington Roads this Holiday Season

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 13, 2023

OLYMPIA, Wash., Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is asking Washingtonians to have a happy holiday season by travelling safely and responsibly on all roads and highways.

Key Points: 
  • OLYMPIA, Wash., Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is asking Washingtonians to have a happy holiday season by travelling safely and responsibly on all roads and highways.
  • Law enforcement agencies across the state will have an increased presence on roads over a period from December 13 to January 1 to help remind everyone to drive safely.
  • Last year, 740 people died on Washington roads, with more than half of those fatalities involving alcohol or drug impaired driving.
  • "Most people drive sober, but the small number of people who drive impaired pose a serious risk to themselves and to all of us on our roads," said Mark McKechnie, WTSC External Relations Director.

In Honor of Globally Recognized "Car-Free Day," Zipcar Releases New Data about the Impact of Car Sharing on Traffic and Parking Competition in Washington, D.C.

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- September 22 marks the worldwide initiative "Car-Free Day," which encourages motorists to take a break from driving and explore environmentally-friendly options like mass transit, biking, scooters and walking. According to a new survey from Zipcar, the world's leading car-sharing company, a segment of Washingtonians, those who share a car (compared to personal car owners), significantly contribute to the environmental and social health of Washington D.C. by eliminating additional cars on the road, congestion, parking competition and carbon emissions. Nearly 30% of Zipcar members in Washington D.C. ditched their personal car after joining Zipcar, eliminating an estimated 8,000 vehicles from Washington D.C.'s streets.

Key Points: 
  • Nearly 30% of Zipcar members in Washington D.C. ditched their personal car after joining Zipcar, eliminating an estimated 8,000 vehicles from Washington D.C.'s streets.
  • "A little-known byproduct of car sharing is that it eliminates personally owned vehicles from city streets, which reduces congestion, carbon emissions and competition for parking on the curb.
  • Founded in 2000, Zipcar is driven by a mission: to enable simple and responsible urban living by reducing personal car ownership.
  • For over twenty years, Zipcar has supported D.C.'s diverse communities, city livability, and the global environment with socially responsible, sustainable transportation.

September Declared Washington Spirits Month™

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Other distillers joining in the inaugural launch of Washington Spirits Month™ include Browne Family Spirits, Westland Distillery, The Distillarium, Unicorn Distillery, and Big Gin.

Key Points: 
  • Other distillers joining in the inaugural launch of Washington Spirits Month™ include Browne Family Spirits, Westland Distillery, The Distillarium, Unicorn Distillery, and Big Gin.
  • "Washington Spirits Month is a month-long, groundbreaking initiative that shines a spotlight on the incredible variety of distilled spirits that our state has to offer.
  • “Browne Family Spirts is elated to see major retailers, independent liquor stores and restaurants agreeing to join Washington Spirits Month,” said Andrew Browne of Browne Family Spirits.
  • He added, “This inaugural Washington Spirits Month offers a great message to all who choose to raise a glass of spirits: please do so responsibly, and with a high-quality spirit produced right here in Washington.”
    For more information about Washington Spirits Month, or to see the list of participating distillers, retailers, restaurants, bars, hotels and trade associations please visit https://www.washingtonspiritsmonth.com .

AAA Survey Shows Washingtonians Are Charging Forward with Electric Vehicles

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 15, 2023

BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington electric vehicle (EV) owners are charging forward and encouraging others to join the ride. According to a recent survey conducted by AAA Washington, 95 percent of the auto club's EV-driving members would recommend purchasing an EV, highlighting strong interest in moving toward an electric future, while identifying hurdles to make them more accessible.

Key Points: 
  • BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington electric vehicle (EV) owners are charging forward and encouraging others to join the ride.
  • More than 15 percent of AAA Washington members who responded to the survey indicated they currently drive an EV, compared to around six percent percentage of Washington drivers.
  • AAA Washington EV Website Hub , which includes resources like what tax breaks are available, how electric car charging works, and other important information for prospective buyers.
  • Part of this work included "The Help Shape the Future of EVs in Washington" members sentiment survey conducted by AAA Washington in May 2023.

Washington Poison Center hosts 4th annual educational series on overdose

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 3, 2023

SEATTLE, Aug. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) invites community service providers and healthcare professionals to attend the 4th annual Overdose Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Treatment Series .

Key Points: 
  • SEATTLE, Aug. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) invites community service providers and healthcare professionals to attend the 4th annual Overdose Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Treatment Series .
  • The Overdose Series explores unintentional and intentional factors that can lead to overdose, and equips attendees with tools to prevent overdose and reduce harm from drugs and medications.
  • The Overdose Series will address these topics through two educational tracks: 1) Community Health and 2) Toxicology and Pharmacology.
  • Sessions are presented by medical staff from the WAPC, as well as external experts from agencies including the University of Washington, Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Health Care Authority, Washington State University, Crisis Connections, local healthcare services, and harm reduction agencies.

Be aware of harmful algae blooms this summer and fall

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 31, 2023

SEATTLE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Health departments across the state of Washington are reporting algae blooms in local bodies of water.

Key Points: 
  • SEATTLE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Health departments across the state of Washington are reporting algae blooms in local bodies of water.
  • Freshwater algae blooms are caused by a type of bacteria called "cyanobacteria," more commonly referred to as " blue-green algae ."
  • Blue-green algae becomes a problem when certain toxin-producing strains rapidly reproduce (or "bloom")—a common occurrence in the warmer, sunny months of summer and fall.
  • If you think you have come into contact with blue-green algae, shower with soap and call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222."

New Chief Health Officer/Chief Medical Officer at Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) to Lead Whole-Person Care Delivery

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) , the not-for-profit Washington-based managed-care organization, has hired Demetria Malloy, MD, MSHS as the new Chief Health Officer/Chief Medical Officer.

Key Points: 
  • Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) , the not-for-profit Washington-based managed-care organization, has hired Demetria Malloy, MD, MSHS as the new Chief Health Officer/Chief Medical Officer.
  • CHPW currently cares for more than 300,000 Washingtonians who have its Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare Advantage, and public-option Individual and Family health plans.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230719310397/en/
    Demetria Malloy, MD, MSHS, has been hired as the new Chief Health Officer/Chief Medical Officer for not-for-profit Washington-based managed-care organization Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW).
  • “I am very excited to be joining Community Health Plan of Washington to build on its focus on innovative care solutions for members, especially for those experiencing the greatest health disparities,” said Malloy.

Washingtonians March Against Hate (WTPMarch.org)

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Washingtonians will host a regional We The People march on Friday, June 30th in solidarity with the thousands of people attending the We The People National March in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida over Independence Day weekend.

Key Points: 
  • Washingtonians will host a regional We The People march on Friday, June 30th in solidarity with the thousands of people attending the We The People National March in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida over Independence Day weekend.
  • More than 50 organizations fighting for people of color, women, LGBTQ+ communities, Jewish people, social justice, gun control, and more make up the We The People coalition.
  • The We The People National March takes place Sunday, July 2nd at Esplanade Park in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
  • Click here or visit WTPMarch.org/Partners to see the full list of Partners and Ambassadors.