Health Tips & Resources | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Ready to quit smoking now? Washington state's Quitline has been helping people to stop smoking for 20 years this month.

Washington's Quitline is marking its 20th Anniversary and announcing modernized services that meet ongoing and emergent needs, from helping adults quit smoking – a risk factor for severe … more

11/24/20

Veterans Stand Down event this Friday

A diminished version of the annual Veterans Stand Down will take place this Friday, November 20, 7:00 am to Noon at the National Guard Armory in downtown Olympia Stand Downs are typically one to … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 11/16/20

Medical assistant Amanda Fennell seemed to be smiling as she prepared to administer a COVID-19 test in near 80 degree weather on Monday, July 20, 2020.

The Providence/Thurston County COVID-19 drive through testing site continues to hit daily capacity

As the community spread of COVID-19 increases in Thurston and surrounding counties, the Providence/Thurston County COVID-19 drive through testing site, located at Providence Medical Group Hawks … more

11/11/20

Letter to the Community: September 15, 2020

Hello Thurston County! This week I have a brief update about schools and then I will answer some more of your questions. I always look forward to reading all of your questions and … more

Dimyana Abdelmalek, MD, MPH, Health Officer Thurston County | 9/15/20

Exercise equipment might be coming to Olympia parks

OLYMPIA –– City officials will talk on Thursday night about how best to meet the needs of the city’s residents, with plans to discuss installing outdoor exercise equipment in public parks for visitors to use while COVID-19 restrictions are in effect. more

By Madeline Shannon of JOLT | 8/20/20

Eviction Rent Assistance Program Coming Soon to Thurston County

OLYMPIA – Yesterday, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Community Action Council of Lewis Mason and Thurston Counties (CAC) to manage the Eviction Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) for Thurston County renters. more

8/17/20

Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek is Thurston County's new public health officer.

"If you are struggling, there is help."

We are in the middle of an unprecedented challenge and we are lucky to have a community around us for support. If you are struggling, there is help. You can find resources for mental health and coping on our website. more

Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek, Thurston County Health Officer | 7/16/20

Since the start of the COVID-19 shutdown, the Thurston Chamber and EDC have conducted a weekly webinar covering issues of interest to business owners and other local leaders.

County health director, business officials talk about local COVID-19 response

THURSTON COUNTY –– County Public Health Director Schelli Slaughter and business figures from the community gathered in a virtual meeting Thursday to discuss the resources available to local businesses responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and resources available to local businesses if the pandemic continues to worsen in the greater Olympia metro area. more

By Madeline Shannon of JOLT | 7/2/20

This little brown bat looks scary but is unlikely to fly into a human. Several sources report that none of the 15 species of bats resident in Washington are among the three that eat only blood.

It's bat season again!

You wake up one morning and discover a bat fluttering around in your bedroom. Concerned, you wonder if this is a problem, and seem to recall that bats may harbor rabies. What should you do Rabies … more

By Daniel Hu for JOLT | 6/18/20