Marin County Public Health Status Update for March 06, 2026, includes, Global Polio Update: What Marin Travelers Should Know; March is National Nutrition Month; World Teen Mental Wellness Day: Supporting Marin Youth; Strengthening Marin’s Emergency Response Readiness; Know Before They Ride: Marin E-Bike Rules; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
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/
Global Polio Update: What Marin Travelers Should Know
The World Health Organization reports that poliovirus continues to spread internationally and remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. While the United States eliminated polio decades ago, the virus still circulates and spreads through travel. Following this global update, the CDC upgraded its travel notice to Level 2. Marin County residents planning international trips to areas with circulating polio, including the UK, Spain, and Germany should review their vaccine history. It is important to make sure polio vaccinations are up to date and to review travel health guidance before departure. This underscores the importance of investing in global vaccination and disease monitoring to help stop outbreaks abroad before they reach Marin.
March is National Nutrition Month
Marin County is home to a strong agricultural community and vibrant farmers’ markets supported by the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM). In a place with such abundance, there should be healthy food on every table. However, federal legislation (HR1), taking effect in April, includes significant cuts to safety net programs, including CalFresh (SNAP) and Medi-Cal. As these changes roll out, many Marin residents may face reduced food assistance benefits. During National Nutrition Month, we celebrate our local food system while recognizing the importance of nutrition programs that help ensure families, seniors, and children across Marin can continue to access fresh, healthy food. Learn more about Marin’s Food on Every Table initiative.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day: Supporting Marin Youth
March 2 marked World Teen Mental Wellness Day, a reminder that parents and caring adults play a vital role in supporting teen mental health. In Marin, 32% of 11th graders report feeling chronic sadness or hopelessness in the past year. Youth ages 15 to 24 also visit emergency departments for self-harm at higher rates than other age groups. Teen years can feel overwhelming. Checking in regularly and listening without judgment can make a real difference. Marin 9 to 25’s Find Your Way resource guide connects families to trusted local support, and 988 is available 24/7 for crisis help. Community programs like Raising Healthy Families 2026, offered by CIP Marin, also provide tools and guidance to help parents support their teens. RSVP today for their March 12 program, Starting the Conversation. Teens can also find connection at Karma Club, a free teen community space in Terra Linda. Reaching out early and staying connected helps Marin youth build resilience and thrive.
Strengthening Marin’s Emergency Response Readiness
This week, Marin County Public Health took part in a large emergency preparedness exercise with the Office of Emergency Management and community partners. The exercise focused on how we would open and operate a Friends and Relatives Center (FRC) or Family Assistance Center (FAC) during a mass casualty, mass fatality, or mass violence incident. Public Health plays an important role in supporting family reunification, coordinating behavioral health services, and helping care for those affected. Trainings like this help us work together and ensure we are ready to support our community during complex emergencies.
Know Before They Ride: Marin E-Bike Rules
This week the Special Committee on Youth E-bike Safety met to review the latest data (visit our updated dashboard), assess progress to date, and discuss next steps to improve safety and reduce injuries among Marin’s young riders. As e-bike use rises, national research shows youth injuries have increased more than 300%, highlighting the importance of safety. California law defines three classes of e-bikes. Class 3 models can reach 28 mph, require riders to be at least 16, and are not allowed on most multi-use paths. Helmets are required for anyone under 18 and for all Class 3 riders. Parents can help by choosing age-appropriate bikes, reviewing local rules, and ensuring helmets are worn on every ride. E-bike safety training is available online.
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
We’ve launched Marin County’s new Respiratory Virus Dashboard, which combines local COVID-19, flu, and RSV information in one place.
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: https://www.marinhhs.org/vaccine-resources
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 Support 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.
-
Help is available. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
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
Subscribe to Status Updates | Past Status Updates | Subscribe to News | Follow us on Facebook | Follow us on X | Follow us on Instagram