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/
Stay Healthy This Respiratory Virus Season
Respiratory virus activity typically increases during fall and winter. Simple steps can help protect you and those around you from flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, wash your hands often, and stay home when you’re sick. If you do get sick, rest, stay hydrated, and give yourself time to recover. These steps are especially important for protecting people at higher risk for serious illness.
Check Marin’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard for local flu, RSV, and COVID-19 trends.
Find vaccines in Marin and learn which vaccines are recommended for you.
Weather Together: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Winter storms can affect everyone, but some neighbors may need extra help preparing. Weather Together is Marin’s effort to help residents prepare for winter weather and strengthen community resilience. One way to help is through RIZE Marin’s winter gear drive. Through November 23, residents can donate new or gently used raincoats, rain boots, and heavy-duty ponchos for local children. Preparing your own household and checking in with neighbors can also make a difference. Sign up for emergency alerts, make a plan, and know your local risks.
Learn how to donate and visit ReadyMarin’s Weather Together for winter storm preparedness resources.
Envision Marin: Help Shape Our County’s Future
What matters most to you about Marin’s future? Envision Marin is developing a six-year County strategic plan, and community input will help shape priorities, services, and investments, including those that support health and well-being.
Community workshops begin November 12, with in-person and online options through December 5. Residents can share what they value about Marin and discuss priorities such as health, housing, transportation, and access to services. Workshops are free and open to everyone, with language and accessibility support available.
View workshop dates and register. Can’t attend? Share your ideas through Engage Marin.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
On November 18, schools across Marin will celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, honoring the courage of Ruby Bridges and promoting inclusion, kindness, and safe, active travel to school.
Safe Routes to Schools supports schools across Marin in making walking and rolling part of the school routine throughout the year. Active trips to school help children build daily physical activity, support physical and mental well-being, and contribute to a healthier environment and more climate-resilient community.
See how Marin students are getting to school on the Safe Routes to Schools Dashboard.
Conversations Matter
Parents and caregivers can help prevent youth cannabis use. In Marin, only 57% of 9th graders and 58% of 11th graders report talking with a parent or guardian about alcohol or drug use in the past year.
Regular, open conversations can help young people understand the risks of cannabis and make healthy choices. Start early, listen, ask questions, and be clear about your expectations. You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters is keeping the conversation going.
Need help getting started? Visit Let’s Talk Marin for practical tips and information about cannabis and other substances.
National Diabetes Month: Know Your Risk
November is National Diabetes Month. About 7% of Marin adults have diagnosed diabetes. Preventing diabetes and identifying people at risk are priorities in Marin’s 2026–2028 Community Health Improvement Plan, which calls for expanded diabetes risk screening, referrals, prevention, and education.
Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed. Prediabetes may have no clear symptoms, so knowing your risk matters. Healthy eating and regular physical activity can help lower your risk.
Take the American Diabetes Association’s 60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should be tested.
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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