Marin County Public Health (MCPH) protects our community by promoting health, preventing disease, and preparing for public health emergencies. The MCPH Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities.
For additional public health insights across California, subscribe to Your Local Epidemiologist – California, authored by Marin County’s former Public Health Officer. 👉 https://yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com/
Back-to-School Vaccines: Don't Wait, Vaccinate
Backpacks? Check. School supplies? Check. Vaccines? Check. As the new school year approaches, now is a great time to schedule your child's annual checkup and make sure they are up to date on recommended vaccines. Staying current on vaccinations helps protect children from serious diseases, keeps them healthy and ready to learn, and helps prevent outbreaks in our schools and community. California's school vaccine requirements remain unchanged.
Learn CPR. Save a Life.
Every minute counts when someone experiences cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Join Marin County's Sidewalk CPR event to learn hands-only CPR in just a few minutes. No experience is needed, and the skills you learn could help save the life of a family member, friend, neighbor, or even a stranger.
Binge Drinking in Marin
Most Marin adults drink alcohol, and our rates are higher than California's average. About 20% binge drink regularly (four or more drinks for women, five or more for men on one occasion), and alcohol is involved in roughly 1 in 4 motor vehicle deaths here. Even occasional heavy drinking raises the risk of injury, high blood pressure, liver disease, and several cancers. Cutting back has real benefits, and support is confidential. Call the BHRS Access Line at 888-818-1115, available 24/7, or search the OD Free Marin Treatment Locator for care near you.
Be Ready for Changing Air Quality
Wildfires can affect air quality even when fires are far from Marin. Smoke conditions can change quickly, so check the Air Quality Index before spending extended time outdoors. If air quality worsens, stay indoors with windows and doors closed, use an air purifier if available, and consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask if you must be outside. Older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung disease are at greatest risk from wildfire smoke.
A Drug-Resistant Fungus and How Marin Prepares
CDC data show Candida auris detected in 27 states this year, with California reporting the most cases. Marin County Public Health (MCPH) has been monitoring this emerging disease as part of the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Healthcare-Associated Infections Program, which sets screening, disinfection, and containment expectations for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Our county’s public health nurses lead this work: they investigate cases and consult with infection preventionists at facilities. Our Healthcare Preparedness Program (HPP) amplifies that effort, convening hospitals and skilled nursing facilities for shared guidance and outbreak exercises.
Community Infectious Disease Monitoring
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Marin County’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard brings together local data on COVID‑19, influenza, and RSV in one easy‑to‑use resource. It helps residents and providers track trends and stay informed about seasonal virus activity.
Wastewater Surveillance
Marin County Public Health’s Wastewater Surveillance program monitors infectious diseases by testing our community’s sewage. This early‑warning system provides valuable insight into virus levels and supports timely public health action.
Resource Link Library
Public Health
CDPH’s Respiratory Viruses Hub provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
Find materials and information to help answer vaccine questions and concerns on Marin County Public Health’s Vaccine Resources page.
Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing
Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.
Access to Care
Get free, confidential help to explore your health coverage options and enroll through Covered California at: https://www.coveredca.com.
You can search for nearby Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — community clinics that offer low-cost or free health care — at: https://aliadoshealth.org/health-centers/
Learn about health coverage options for low-income adults through the County Medical Services Program at https://cmspcounties.org/healthcare-within-reach/.
Nutrition Security
Access free groceries and home-delivered food through the SF-Marin Food Bank’s Food Locator and emergency programs, with help available by calling or texting (415) 824-3663 or emailing help@sfmfoodbank.org.
Community Supports and Services
Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide
The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.
Public Benefits
BenefitsCal.com is a one-stop-shop to apply, renew, or manage health care coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.
You may qualify for California WIC if you live in California, are pregnant or caring for a child under 5, and meet income guidelines or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh. Use the WIC eligibility assessment to check your eligibility.
Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)
Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115
Stay Informed
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