Public Health

Columbia County Public Health, in partnership with the Opioid Response Network (ORN), recently held a successful series of nine Drug-Free Pep Rallies focused on overdose prevention, vaping, and marijuana education. These events, which took place from May 6-10, 2024, across various schools in the county, engaged students in crucial substance use prevention and education activities.

The rallies featured numerous community speakers, including representatives from Columbia Health Services, Youth Era, Vernonia Police Department, Columbia River Fire and Rescue, St. Helens Police Department, Sauvie Island Fire District, OHSU, local coaches, chaplains, Commissioners Kellie Jo Smith and Margaret Magruder, as well as school administrators, staff, teachers, and nurses. Columbia County Public Health appreciates the support from community partners to make these pep rallies a success.

The nine Drug-Free Pep Rallies focused on three main areas: overdose prevention, vaping/nicotine, and cannabis/dabbing. These rallies were designed to engage students while providing targeted drug education and prevention. It was the objective of the rallies to promote a sense of community among students and to provide them with information regarding local resources.

"It was an honor to be part of the Drug-Free Pep Rallies and see firsthand the positive impact they have on our youth," said Columbia County Commissioner Kellie Jo Smith. "These events are crucial for educating our students about the dangers of drug use and providing them with the resources they need to make healthy choices. Columbia County is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote our community's well-being, and I am grateful to all the organizers and participants who made these rallies a success."

Participating schools included Vernonia (5th-12th grades), Clatskanie (7th-10th grades), Sauvie Island (5th-7th grades), St. Helens Middle School (6th-8th grades), and Rainier/Hudson Park Elementary (5th-12th grades).

Jim Helmen, Superintendent for the Vernonia School District, also shared his gratitude: "The Vernonia School District extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Columbia County Public Health Department and Jerria Martin - Opioid Response Network for their unwavering support in empowering our students from grades 5-12 to lead drug-free lives. Your contribution has been instrumental in shaping a brighter future for our youth, and we are truly grateful for your partnership."

Key organizers for this year's Drug-Free Pep Rallies include Jessica Kosydar, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Haley Schimmel, Health Promotion Specialist; Jerria Martin, ORN Consultant; and Sarah Cavanese, ORN Technology Transfer Specialist.

"These rallies represent Columbia County's ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of its students, providing them with the knowledge and support they need to make positive choices for their futures," said Kosydar.

For more information about Columbia County Public Health and its initiatives, please visit Columbia County Public Health Website.

# # #

Images:

1. Jerria Martin, Opioid Response Network (ORN) Consultant, energizes the crowd at a Vernonia Pep Rally.
2. Community members join Columbia County Public Health staff at Pep Rallies in Vernonia.
3. Students participate in the "Escape the Vape" activity at a Pep Rally in Rainier. 

*Photography Credit: Leyla Duechle, Columbia Health Services

In May, the Columbia County Public Health Department held seven pep rallies at schools throughout the county to encourage local youth to maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Guest speaker Jerria Martin, a prevention consultant from the Opioid Response Network, led the pep rallies. Ms. Martin is also the executive director of Drug Free Communities in Selma, Alabama. 

"We are taking a unique, creative, and innovative approach to kicking drugs out of our communities for good," says Ms. Martin. "I wholeheartedly believe that education is the foundation of drug prevention."

Ms. Martin joined the Columbia County Public Health team and community partners (including coaches, school staff, mayors from Vernonia and Scappoose, local fire department, and law enforcement representatives) in speaking to youth from Rainier, St. Helens, Scappoose, Sauvie Island, and Vernonia. The pep rally speakers shared their experiences as a way to support local youth and encourage them to say drug-free. 

“We were excited to partner with our communities to provide these pep rallies in our schools,” said Jaime Aanensen, Director of Public Health for Columbia County.

In March 2023, local subject matter experts delivered an informational session for caregivers with questions regarding youth substance use and prevention. You can access a recording of the session by visiting https://vimeo.com/815351899.

# # #

Jerria Martin is welcomed by Adam Wies and Principal Ron Hernley

Vernonia Mayor Rick Hobart and Jerria Martin

Whip cream pie race during Plymouth High Pep Rally

Columbia County Public Health announced the first confirmed case of monkeypox in the county. The person, a Columbia County resident, did not require hospitalization and is isolating at home. 

Monkeypox is a potentially serious viral illness that typically involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes, and a rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid before scabbing over. Illness could be confused with a sexually transmitted infection like syphilis or herpes, or the varicella zoster virus (chickenpox). Most infections last two to four weeks.

"We’ve been preparing for monkeypox because we’ve watched nearby states and counties announce confirmed cases of monkeypox," said Dr. Joe Skariah, Columbia County Public Health Officer, "and we’ve seen cases rising across the U.S. It’s unlikely that this will lead to a large outbreak locally, but we want health care providers and the public to be aware, and for providers to consider this in people who have a rash or skin lesion that looks like monkeypox."

Columbia County completed contract tracing to identify other individuals who have been exposed. To date, no one who was exposed is considered a confirmed case. Columbia County Public Health will not release the names or further identifying information of any resident who tests positive, unless more details are necessary to protect the public. "County staff will continue to collaborate with health care providers, the Oregon Health Authority, and other jurisdictions to identify exposed individuals and to provide appropriate recommendations and health information," Public Health Director Michael Paul said.

Depending on the situation, people who had close or intimate exposure to a person with monkeypox might be advised to get a vaccine for monkeypox. Local health departments, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Centers for Prevention and Disease Control (CDC) are coordinating to provide vaccines to exposed contacts who choose to receive them. However, vaccines to prevent monkeypox are not recommended to the public. 

Monkeypox usually spreads from person to person through close, often skin-to-skin contact, including direct contact with a rash, sores, or scabs from a person infected with the virus. To prevent the spread of the virus:

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact such as through sex or other intimate contact if you or your partner have new skin lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or otherwise suspect you may have been exposed to the virus. Condoms do not prevent the spread of the virus (but do prevent the spread of other infections).
• Wear gloves when handling materials such as bedding that someone with the virus has used.
• Wash your hands thoroughly if you have contact with someone with hMPXV.
• If you have symptoms, stay home until you can connect with a healthcare provider.

People who may have symptoms of monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider. Before the visit, they should notify their healthcare provider that they are concerned about monkeypox and whether they recently had close contact with somoene who had a similar rash or somoene who has been diagnosed with monkeypox. 

More resources

World Health Organization - Monkeypox

2022 United States Monkeypox Case - (CDC)

About Monkeypox: Frequently Asked Questions (CDC)

Orthopoxviruses (Monkeypox) (OHA)

The Public Health Department has improved local access to COVID-19 testing by hosting a convenient testing site at the Columbia County Rider Transit Center located at 1155 Deer Island Road in St. Helens. The testing site is open daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Thursday until March 31st. 

The testing site uses shallow, self-collected nasal PCR tests with no out-of-pocket cost to those being tested. Test results will be delivered in approximately 1-2 days from the time the sample is received at the lab. 

To schedule an appointment, visit us online at cur.tv/sthelens. Residents without internet access can call Curative at 888-702-0942 or Public Health 503-397-7247 for assistance scheduling an appointment.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has revised its guidelines for investigating COVID-19 cases. The revised guidelines focus less on interviewing individual cases and conducting contact tracing, and more on outbreaks in high-risk settings such as congregate care, health care, K-12 education, and food chain industries.

OHA is adopting an “opt-in” approach to case investigation and has launched a website and hotline for people who receive a COVID-19-positive test result. Visit Oregon.gov/positivecovidtest to report positive tests and get information on isolation, quarantine, and ways to keep yourself and those around you safe while you recover.

Individuals can call 866-917-8881 to reach the COVID-19 Case Support Hotline. Hotline staff includes case investigation and contact tracing team members from OHA’s COVID Response and Recovery Unit (CRRU). They are well qualified to answer questions about isolation, quarantine, and available resources. Hotline staff will also be able to triage calls that might normally go to local public health authorities, forwarding them only if they require local follow-up.

OHA offers an opt-in survey for people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Completing the survey helps the Public Health Department and OHA learn more about how COVID-19 impacts our residents and community. It also provides those in greatest need with resources to stay healthy.

OHA no longer requires that the Columbia County Public Health Department reach out to interview individual cases and conduct contact tracing. Instead, the department will rely on county residents to report positive COVID-19 test results using the new OHA website and hotline. “Availably of the OHA website and hotline will enable our Public Health team to reduce phone-based case investigations and shift resources to prioritize investigating high-risk outbreaks and providing other vital public health services,” says Mike Paul, Director of Public Health.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has revised its guidelines for investigating COVID-19 cases. The revised guidelines focus less on interviewing individual cases and conducting contact tracing, and more on outbreaks in high-risk settings such as congregate care, health care, K-12 education, and food chain industries.

OHA is adopting an “opt-in” approach to case investigation and has launched a website and hotline for people who receive a COVID-19-positive test result. Visit Oregon.gov/positivecovidtest to report positive tests and get information on isolation, quarantine, and ways to keep yourself and those around you safe while you recover.

Individuals can call 866-917-8881 to reach the COVID-19 Case Support Hotline. Hotline staff includes case investigation and contact tracing team members from OHA’s COVID Response and Recovery Unit (CRRU). They are well qualified to answer questions about isolation, quarantine, and available resources. Hotline staff will also be able to triage calls that might normally go to local public health authorities, forwarding them only if they require local follow-up.

OHA offers an opt-in survey for people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Completing the survey helps the Public Health Department and OHA learn more about how COVID-19 impacts our residents and community. It also provides those in greatest need with resources to stay healthy.

OHA no longer requires that the Columbia County Public Health Department reach out to interview individual cases and conduct contact tracing. Instead, the department will rely on county residents to report positive COVID-19 test results using the new OHA website and hotline. “Availably of the OHA website and hotline will enable our Public Health team to reduce phone-based case investigations and shift resources to prioritize investigating high-risk outbreaks and providing other vital public health services,” says Mike Paul, Director of Public Health.

The Public Health Department has scheduled additional COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinics in Columbia County. From January 6 through 16, free drive-thru clinics will be held each day from 10:30 A.M. until 5:30 P.M. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. First doses, second doses, and boosters of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson brand vaccines will be available for adults and children (ages 5+).

Please be sure to bring your physical or digital vaccination card, if possible, and wear clothes that you can easily slip your arm out of. Participants do not need appointments, and pre-event registration is not necessary. Masks are required.

If you need a ride or have questions, call the Columbia County Public Health Department at 503-397-7247.

Drive-thru Clinics flyer

The Public Health Department is bringing COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinics to Columbia County. From December 6th through 10th, free drive-thru clinics will be held each day from 10 A.M. until 5 P.M. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. First doses, second doses, and boosters of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson brand vaccines will be available for adults and children (ages 5+). 

Please be sure to bring your physical or digital vaccination card, if possible, and wear clothes that you can easily slip your arm out of. Participants do not need appointments and pre-event registration is not necessary. Masks are required.

If you need a ride or have questions, call the Columbia County Public Health Department at 503-397-7247.

VaccinationAndBoosterClinicsDec2021.pdf 

With case counts in Columbia County beginning to decline, the Public Health Department has adopted a shorter 10-day quarantine option for COVID-19 exposure, as allowed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Oregon Health Authority. Although a 14-day quarantine is still the safest option to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others, the shorter 10-day option has been made available to County residents who have not developed any symptoms.

Here are some important points to remember about this change:

• Transmission levels remain high in Columbia County, as measured by the CDC.
• You can support your community in encouraging a culture of taking protective measures, including receiving a vaccine or booster when available.
• COVID-19 has a wide variety of symptoms and effects on everyone, including children. Grandparents, teachers, other adults, and children with immunocompromising conditions can be put at risk by children with COVID-19.
• Individuals choosing the 10-day quarantine option should be tested between days 3-14, ideally 5-7 days, after the last known exposure to identify anyone who becomes positive as early as possible. Watch closely for symptoms for up to 14 days after exposure.
• If symptoms develop, individuals should return to quarantine, notify their local public health authority, and call their healthcare provider.
• This change is effective immediately. Individuals currently in quarantine can opt for the shorter 10-day quarantine period and can resume all regular activities on the 11th day following exposure.

The Columbia County Public Health Department can be reached, for health inquiries and 24-hour emergency contact, at (503) 397-7247.

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Oregon – Have you been wondering how you can lend a helping hand at testing or vaccination events in Columbia County? Now is the time! The Columbia County Public Health department is now accepting volunteer applications for COVID-19 testing and vaccination assistance.

We are looking for reliable and enthusiastic individuals who would like to volunteer for clinical and non-clinical positions. We are building volunteer teams to support immunization and testing events throughout the upcoming months. Our teams need greeters, vaccinators, registration and check-in assistants, clinical and non-clinical monitors, and supply runners.

How do you volunteer? Your first step towards volunteering for this team is to go online (https://tinyurl.com/ftrpmbxy) and fill out the Columbia County Public Health Volunteer Interest Form. Once your completed form is received, the department’s Volunteer Coordinator will review your application and send a follow-up email with instructions for completing the county Volunteer Form, Volunteer Agreement, and the Disclosure and Authorization for a background check. After the Public Health department approves your application, you will receive onboarding information from the Volunteer Coordinator, including instructions for the required HIPAA and Information Security trainings. Upon completion of these steps, the Volunteer Coordinator will work with you to schedule shifts, assign positions, provide position descriptions, and answer questions as they come up. 

If you have any questions regarding volunteering to help at these events, please call the Public Health Volunteer Coordinator at 503-397-7247.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 6, 2021 

Columbia County Public Health Recommends Indoor Masks for All Amid COVID Surge

ST. HELENS, Oregon - Due to the recent dramatic increase in cases of COVID-19 in our community, and following recently released Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority guidelines, Columbia County Public Health (CCPH) recommends masking indoors, regardless of vaccination status. 

The risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection is substantial and 45% of eligible residents are still unvaccinated. “The delta variant has caused a sharp increase in case rates across the state, including in Columbia County,” said Michael Paul, CCPH Director. “We are recommending masking for all residents in indoor public places to slow the spread while we continue efforts to get more residents vaccinated.” New statewide mask recommendations can be found here: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2288K_R.pdf 

Second, CCPH wants residents to know the surge of cases is severely slowing down the local contact tracing process. CCPH continues to complete COVID-19 investigations, but residents should be aware that the high number of cases makes it very difficult to identify every case and to notify every contact about their exposure to another individual who was infected. CCPH recommends residents review the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested at the onset of symptoms. Wraparound services are provided by Columbia Health Services and residents can find additional information in the after-testing guide:

https://multco-web7-psh-files-usw2.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/AfterTestingGuide.pdf 

Last, CCPH also recommends unvaccinated residents talk to a health care provider about the COVID-19 vaccine. With the emergence of the more transmissible Delta variant, there is a renewed urgency to get all eligible residents vaccinated as quickly as possible. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, free and provides excellent protection from severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death. Additional statewide information concerning COVID-19-related demographics and hospital information about positive cases can be found on the Oregon Health Authority's website at https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19. 

General questions about COVID-19 can be answered by calling 2-1-1. Questions about your specific medical needs should be directed to a health care provider. If you cannot find the information you need via the websites and number provided here, call Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247. 

Resources:

Columbia County Public Health

https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/PublicHealth/CoronavirusDiseaseCOVID19 

Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Information

https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19 

Columbia Health Services

https://www.columbia-health.org/ 

You can apply for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or Healthy Kids at any time of the year. There is no “Open enrollment” period for OHP. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov to learn more.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 6, 2021 

Bat Rabies Detected in Columbia County 

ST. HELENS, Oregon - Columbia County Public Health and Oregon Health Officials are reporting that a bat found in Clatskanie, Oregon tested positive for rabies, according to Oregon State University, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

A local resident found the bat during the day on Wednesday, August 4. So far, in 2021, 8 other bats have tested positive for rabies. Approximately 8% of the bats found every year in Oregon test positive for rabies.  

People can take two precautions to protect themselves and their pets from bats and rabies," said Dr. Emilio DeBess, from the Oregon Health Authority. "Never handle bats, and make sure your cats and dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccines."  

“Unfortunately, bats often carry rabies,” said DeBess. "If you find a bat during the daylight hours, it is probably not healthy and should be avoided.” 

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that attacks an infected animal’s nervous system. The rabies strain found in the foxes tested is from bats. Other strains of rabies found in the U.S. (skunk, fox, and raccoon) are not found in Oregon. Rabies symptoms in wildlife, particularly foxes and raccoons, include lethargy, walking in circles, loss of muscular coordination, convulsions, irritability or aggressiveness, disorientation, excessive drooling of saliva, and showing no fear of humans.   

While bats play a valuable role in nature, people should stay away from bats and not handle them. Sick bats may be seen flopping around on the ground or otherwise acting unusual. If you find a sick bat or other sick wildlife on your property, take children and pets indoors and do not handle the bats without protection. Use a disposable container with a lid to scoop the animal into the containers and dispose of it in the trash. If a bat has had contact with a human or an animal, call your local health department for guidance.  

Typically, animals acquire rabies by eating or coming in contact with a rabid bat. Very few bats in Oregon have rabies and rabies in other wildlife is even rarer. However, if you know your pet has encountered a bat or been bitten by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian immediately.  

We recommend you: 

• Vaccinate your pets (dogs and cats) against rabies  
• Watch wildlife from a distance. Don’t approach or attempt to handle wild animals.  
• Do not feed wild animals.  
• Keep garbage in secure containers and away from wildlife.  
• Feed pets indoors.  
• Seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds, barns, and screen chimneys that might provide access to bats and other wildlife.