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/
Asthma Medication in Schools
California is making free emergency albuterol inhalers available to TK–12 schools, helping schools respond quickly when a student experiences asthma symptoms and does not have access to their own inhaler. Families of children with asthma should continue to work with their healthcare provider and school to keep asthma action plans and medications up to date. If you notice new or worsening breathing problems in your child, talk with their healthcare provider. Learn more about California’s Albuterol for Schools initiative.
Connection Saves Lives
Join Marin County’s effort to prevent suicide and build a safer, more connected community. Upcoming events include a “Connection Saves Lives” collaborative meeting on September 17, a workshop on preventing firearm tragedies in intimate relationships on September 21, “Talk Saves Lives” for parents on September 22, and “Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)” suicide prevention training on September 28. Both in-person and virtual options are available, and all events are open to the public. Register for one or more events. If you or someone you know needs support, call, text, or chat 988.
September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, which reminds us to prepare for emergencies before they happen. Earthquakes, wildfires, power outages, extreme heat, flooding, and winter storms can disrupt daily life with little warning. Take a few simple steps now: sign up for AlertMarin, make or update your household emergency plan, build a supply kit, and plan for medications, pets, older adults, and others who may need extra support. Know your evacuation routes and connect with neighbors. Learn more at ReadyMarin.org.
Prepare Now for Winter Flooding
King Tides and a potentially wet El Niño winter could increase flood risk in Marin, particularly when high tides and heavy rain coincide. September is the time to prepare your property: clear gutters and drainage areas, test sump pumps, address known drainage problems, and identify where to get sandbags before storms arrive. Use ReadyMarin’s El Niño & Winter Storm guide for Marin-specific preparation steps. During severe weather, check the Marin Public Emergency Portal for current conditions, road closures, sandbag locations, and emergency instructions.
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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