Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

Active Response to Measles Case in Kittitas County Ends 02/02/2026
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is no longer actively responding to the case of measles identified in Kittitas County last month. All close contacts who were being monitored have passed the quarantine date and no longer need to stay home. There have been no additional reports of individuals with symptoms. As a result, KCPHD is also closing the measles call center. We want to thank students, staff, faculty, and partners like Central Washington University and Kittitas Valley Healthcare.
Influenza Related Death in Kittitas County 01/27/2026
The Washington State Department of Health notified Kittitas County Public Health (KCPHD) of a possible influenza death. Sadly, KCPHD has confirmed that an individual has died from an influenza related death.
Confirmed Case of Measles in Kittitas County 01/15/2026
The Kittitas County Public Health Department is working with Central Washington University (CWU) and the Washington State Department of Health regarding a CWU student who has tested positive for measles. The individual is doing OK and is receiving medical attention.
Flood Waters Can Be Harmful to Health 12/09/2025
Certain parts of Kittitas County are currently experiencing flooding. Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) and the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office want people in those areas to be aware that flood water can be harmful to your health, including the risks of exposure to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.
Public Hearing to Consider 1/10th tax funding for mental health and substance use disorder prevention 11/25/2025
Kittitas County will host a public hearing on December 2, 2025, in the Commissioners’ Auditorium at 205 West 5th Avenue, Room 109, in the courthouse to consider the 1/10th of 1% Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Tax. This public hearing will address the 2027 sunset clause.
Celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of Operation Green Light 11/05/2025
The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) are celebrating the fifth anniversary of Operation Green Light to show support for veterans by lighting up their buildings in green from November 5-11, 2025.
2025 Annual Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic & Emergency Exercise is October 24, from 7 am to 4 pm 10/13/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) will be holding our annual drive-thru flu vaccination clinic and emergency preparedness exercise on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 7 am to 4 pm.
Passport Services Now Available at the Kittitas County Public Health Department 09/30/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) has started providing passport services. Passport processing services are available in English or Spanish. We accept walk-ins during the passport services hours:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:30am to 12:00pm

Tuesday, Thursday
12:00pm to 3:00pm
Please Be Aware of Changing Air Quality Conditions 09/24/2025
Kittitas County is currently under an air quality alert, which has been issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). Growing fires like the Lower Sugarloaf and Labor Mountain have resulted in smoke and air quality alert, according to the Washington Smoke Blog. The alert for Kittitas expires at midnight with conditions expected to improve.
Possible Changing Air Conditions in Kittitas County from Wildfire Smoke 09/03/2025
Kittitas County is currently under an air quality alert, which has been issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). Smoke from the Wildcat Fire may affect the air quality in Kittitas County and the alert issued by Ecology is effective until further notice.
Public Health Provides Free Vaccines at Back-to-School Clinics 08/19/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) will be providing free back to school vaccinations for children and teens ages 4 through 18 years old. Two vaccine clinics will be available for local school district students:

Serving students in the Ellensburg School District at:
• Ellensburg High School (1203 E Capital Ave, Ellensburg)
Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 10am to 2pm

Serving students in the Cle Elum – Roslyn School District at:
• Walter Strom Middle School (2694 WA-93, Cle Elum)
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 5pm to 7pm
Help Shape Expansion of Kittitas County Veterans Services 07/01/2025
The Kittitas County Veterans Services Program (VSP) is working to expand the services needed within Kittitas County. To start, the VSP is gathering information about what clients need and how we can improve services, improve outreach, and awareness. Part of the information gathering is a community survey for veterans, veterans’ family members, and anyone who supports veterans in our community. Please visit Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management to take the short survey.
Washington State Department of Health Continues COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendation 06/25/2025
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to recommend that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, receive the current COVID-19 vaccine. DOH is following recommendations via the Washington State Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC).
Help Us Improve Access to Activities and Recreation for People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities 06/02/2025
The Kittitas County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee is conducting a survey, and we need your help to complete a survey. The survey is available online at https://kittitas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Hsa0yvor0LpIge. There are only 20 questions in the survey. Complete the survey between June 2 and June 16 and enter to win one of three Safeway gift cards in the amount of $50.00. This survey is intended for individuals who identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and reside in Kittitas County.
Kittitas County Public Health Champion Recipient Announced 05/15/2025
The Kittitas County Board of Health Advisory Committee (BOHAC) is pleased to announce that the Upper Kittitas County Senior Center (UKCSC) will be awarded the 2025 annual Kittitas County Public Health Champion Award. The award recognizes the work UKCSC does to promote activity, mental stimulation, engagement, and economic support. The award will be presented during the Kittitas County Board of Health meeting on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00 am. The meeting is open to the public.
Please Complete the Kittitas County Air Quality Survey 05/14/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is gathering information about experiences with poor air quality through a survey. We want to hear about how smoke and poor air quality affect you. Individuals who complete the survey can enter to win a drawing for a $25 gift card. The survey takes less than ten minutes to complete and is available in English or Spanish. Please take the survey prior to 5pm on May 28th at Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
Help Us Gather More Responses about the Behavioral Health Needs in Kittitas County 04/15/2025
Kittitas County Public Health Department launched a behavioral health needs survey to understand the needs in Kittitas County on March 27, 2025. Behavioral health is a term that includes both mental health and substance use. We need help gathering additional survey responses. Please help us by taking the survey and sharing with friends, family and coworkers.
Help Us Gather Information about the Behavioral Health Needs in Kittitas County 03/27/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is asking for participation in a behavioral health needs survey. Behavioral Health is a term that includes both mental health and substance use. The survey is open and available online at https://kittitas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8647ooGY8A2KUCO. After you complete the survey, you can enter to win a $25 gift card for your participation.
Kittitas County Public Health Champion Award 03/17/2025
The Kittitas County Board of Health Advisory Committee (BOHAC) is sponsoring the eleventh annual Kittitas County Public Health Champion award. The award is intended to honor and recognize individuals, groups, or organizations that have made significant contributions to the health of Kittitas County. This award is made possible by a generous donation from former Kittitas County Health Officer Jim Gale.
Kittitas County Public Health Notified of Influenza Related Death 03/14/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) received notice of a death related to influenza in Kittitas County. “We realize that Kittitas County is still a small community; we want to acknowledge the loss of this individual and provide the appropriate information to the community,” states Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson.