public health
‘An ounce of prevention,’ to address Type 2 diabetes
Commentary: Preventive actions are urgently needed, advocates emphasize with November’s National Diabetes Awareness Month.
Counties prepare winter shelter plans amid the homelessness crisis
With winter approaching, counties are working with local organizations to address the needs of vulnerable community members.
How Growler jets are impacting our region
Commentary: Jet noise brings loss of hearing, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbance, stress and interference with childhood learning— in addition to impacts on orca whales, birds and other animals.
Four of six Whatcom executive candidates respond in forum
Responses in a candidates forum from four (of six) vying for Whatcom County Executive sketched out four differing perspectives on how to serve.
Use unleaded fuel at Bellingham International Airport
Commentary: “Lead emissions from aircraft engines that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare.” — EPA
Loss of palliative care is a community’s loss
Commentary: More than 100 current patients and all possible future eligible patients stand to lose palliative care when PeaceHealth closes its outpatient palliative program.
Outpatient palliative care program unfortunately unsustainable
Commentary: Insurance reimbursement levels and rising costs across all service lines led to PeaceHealth’s decision to end its comprehensive outpatient palliative program and restructure to continue to “provide the essential components of the program.”
Donating a kidney is a life-affirming experience
Commentary: Kidney donation was simply “the right thing to do”: a donor tells her story.
Island waste: can’t burn or bury it, so best to manage it
Islands in San Juan County present unique challenges in waste management and have found solutions meeting each island’s needs.
Thanks for the memories, 2022; what’s next, 2023?
We lived, we learned; now it’s time to get ready for what may be ahead in 2023, after a look back at what happened this year.
A most interesting job
Commentary: Meet Sandy Hart, who may have one of the most interesting jobs in Bellingham.
Lopez pool plan is making waves
An $8 million campaign to build a swimming pool on Lopez Island for its 2,800 residents has brought out donors, supporters—and opponents.
‘I was one of the lucky ones’
Commentary: On the verge of homelessness at a crucial time, Jack Westford considers himself to be “one of the lucky ones.”
Got something to say about homelessness? Write it down, send it in
Salish Current and the Rotary Club of Bellingham want to hear your thoughts on homelessness — a reality for the well over 1,200 people in our area who lack housing.
A twisted path to homelessness
A community resident finds herself without long-term housing after a downward spiral into homelessness.
Hope on the horizon
Despite a difficult start to a difficult life, a woman in her 60s looks forward to finding housing — and reconnecting with family.