Public Health Stories in Washington

WA State Public Health Systems Monthly Update

DOH works diligently with local and Tribal health jurisdictions to improve the health and well-being of Washington residents. The WA State Public Health Systems Monthly Update provides an overview of the key health issues impacting Washington state and the progress we are making to address them.

October 2026

Topics covered:

• Washington launches public 988 dashboard to strengthen suicide prevention
• Rejected federal grant awards raise concerns for Washington's public health system
• Rural Nursing Education Program: addressing care shortage
• Centennial Accord highlights federal policy connections to Tribal health and well-being

Read October's edition (PDF)

Past Editions

2026 Fact Sheets

DOH prepared federal fact sheets to highlight key public health priorities, outcomes, and needs in Washington state. These resources help illustrate how federal policy and funding impact our communities and public health systems - ensuring our federal and state partners are equipped with timely context on Washington’s critical health challenges.

• Federal Affairs and Priorities for Fiscal Year 2027 (PDF)
• Early Priorities and Partnership Opportunities from the Secretary Worsham's Listening Tour (PDF)
• Rural Health (PDF)
• STI, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis ( PDF)
• Immunization and Vaccine Status (PDF)
• Maternal and Child Health (PDF)
• Communicable Disease Monitoring: Keeping Washington Ready (PDF)
• Fiscal Year 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending Request (PDF)