Public Health Status Update for 04/18/2025

Marin County Public Health Status Update for April 18, 2025, includes County Health Rankings: Health Gaps Elsewhere, Risks at Home; How Global Cuts to Vaccines Could Put Americans at Risk; Wildfire Prevention; Celebrating Public Health Week; Maternal Mental Health Forum; UPLIFT: Mental Health and Wellness Day; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.

The Marin County Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities.

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County Health Rankings: Health Gaps Elsewhere, Risks at Home

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will stop funding County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R) after 2026, with the 2025 release likely the last. Marin County has long used this data to inform innovation and address local health disparities. While Marin has built strong local epidemiological tools, like the Marin County Life Expectancy Dashboard, many counties lack these resources and rely on CHR&R. Worsening health in these areas doesn’t stay isolated — it increases risks locally, such as exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases. The loss of CHR&R may widen national health gaps. Strong national public health data tools are essential for protecting even the healthiest communities like Marin.

How Global Cuts to Vaccines Could Put Americans at Risk

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been drastically reduced, keeping only 300 of its 10,000 employees. Reports say that the USAID may stop funding Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This is alarming, given that Gavi is widely recognized as one of the most cost-effective global health initiatives. Gavi helps vaccinate children in low-income countries, saving lives for just $30–$100 per child. Every $1 invested returns $44 in savings and productivity. With over 1 billion children vaccinated and 17 million deaths prevented, losing this support could lead to dangerous disease outbreaks. In today’s interconnected world, diseases like measles and polio can quickly cross borders, putting U.S. citizens at risk and threatening national health security. Stay informed: Gavi (@gavi.org) — Bluesky.

Wildfire Prevention

As Spring brings in new vegetation and growth, this is the perfect time to fireproof your property and make sure you are prepared for a possible evacuation. You can see how Marin is adapting to wildfires here and find tools and resources to adapt your home and prepare your family at Fire Safe Marin. Marin Public Health recommends that when preparing an evacuation plan, you have at least two safe meeting points outside your home. Find tips on building a go kit and keep yourself prepared today.

Celebrating Public Health Week

National Public Health Week (April 7-April 13) reminds us that community wellbeing depends on dedicated public health professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes. It also celebrates the vital collaboration between public health professionals and community members. These partnerships strengthen our collective wellbeing through shared knowledge, resources, and commitment to addressing health challenges. We express profound gratitude for this collaborative approach that empowers communities, ensures culturally responsive care, and builds more equitable health systems.

Maternal Mental Health Forum

Join our discussion about "perinatal" mental health (before and after the birth of a baby), the impact of mental health issues on a woman's well-being, and suicide prevention issues. We will also review support services, treatment options and appropriate agencies for referring a person in need. The format will include presentation, panel discussion and interactive breakout sessions. This event is co-sponsored by Marin County Health and Human Services, Dominican University, the Postpartum Support Center, and First 5 Marin. This free forum will be held on Friday, May 2, from 1:00-4:45 p.m. at Dominican University, Guzman Hall, 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael, CA 94903.

“UPLIFT” Mental Health and Wellness Day for Young Adults

Join the Marin County Cooperation Team (MCCT) - and MCCT's Vision Project, Youth Action Board, and Southern Marin Community Resiliency Team - on Saturday, May 3rd from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Sausalito Marin City School District (200 Phillips Drive, Marin City, CA 94965) for an engaging and educational event focused on mental health for young adults, ages 15-25. The free "UPLIFT" Mental Health & Wellness Day will feature a mental health and wellness panel discussion; local CBOs/vendors; STI testing; a raffle; catered BBQ; massages; haircuts; make-up; bounce house; DJ; gaming; and a smoothie blender bike.

Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance

Find in-depth analysis of viral activity at Marin COVID-19 Surveillance and Marin Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages. Marin County Public Health has aligned local reporting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory illnesses data monitoring and CDPH Weekly Respiratory Report.

Respiratory Virus Surveillance Site Trends and Levels

Virus Type	COVID		Influenza		RSV
Levels and Trends	Level	Trend	Level	Trend	Level	Trend
All Sites Combined	Minimal	Plateau	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing
Central Marin/San Rafael*	Minimal	Plateau	Moderate	Decreasing	Low	Decreasing
Marin (Las Gallinas)	Minimal	Plateau	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Plateau
Marin (Novato)	Low	Increasing	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing
Marin (Sausalito-Marin City)	Minimal	Plateau	Low	Plateau	Minimal	Decreasing

*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax.

Resource Link Library

Public Health

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses.

Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing

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.

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.

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

Public Health Status Update for 05/16/2025