The following is a release from the Snohomish Health District:
Looking at client feedback and usage rates, as well as a variety of changes in the community, the Snohomish Health District has started making adjustments to current operations. As of July 1, the immunization and travel services clinics are now closed permanently. Starting on Monday, the Women-Infant-Children (WIC) and First Steps clinics will have new hours of service.
“Healthcare reform and increased access to insurance have dramatically changed the way people get many health care services, including immunizations,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer and director for the Snohomish Health District. “Snohomish County is fortunate to have a growing number of healthcare providers and pharmacies providing immunization services. Now that we have this added capacity, it’s the right time to transition our resources into other areas where we can have a greater impact on the community as a whole.”
This transition will allow staff to better focus on programs and partnerships that allow the District to increase awareness of the need for immunizations, in addition to other public health services that aren’t readily available in Snohomish County. Residents needing immunization records for vaccines received at the District can request them through the Vital Records section. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information and resources.
While the immunization clinics will be closing, other services will remain at the Everett location. The District will continue to provide HIV testing and STD referrals, communicable disease surveillance and monitoring, tuberculosis treatment, refugee health and support to providers who offer immunizations.
The WIC and First Steps programs are also not impacted by this closure, but both the Lynnwood and Everett locations are changing their hours of service. Effective July 6, the clinics will be open Monday thru Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.
“When we looked at appointment requests and trends, our early morning appointments were not a popular choice for the families we serve,” said Charlene Shambach, community health director for the Snohomish Health District. “This move is really client-focused. Our intent in this change is to make the appointments more convenient to young families so that they are more likely to come in and receive care.”
WIC and First Steps are programs aimed at ensuring healthy starts in life. WIC targets improving nutrition and health in women, infants and children under 5 years of age. In addition to providing young families with healthy foods, parents are connected with additional support and resources.
First Steps promotes healthy birth outcomes by increasing access to early prenatal care. It serves pregnant, postpartum and parenting women who are eligible for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), and their infants up to 1 year of age.
For more information about WIC and First Steps, contact the Everett WIC clinic at 425.252.5303 or the Lynnwood clinic at 425.258.8400. To learn about these services and other parenting resources available, visit http://www.snohd.org/Children-Family/Parent-Resources.
