Gig Harbor firefighters deploy to battle wildfires around the state
Jul 26, 2024 | By: Marsha HartWhen local firefighters deploy to battle big fires elsewhere in Washington, they come home with valuable experience and knowledge.
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Health and Wellness stories are made possible in part by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a proud sponsor of Gig Harbor Now.
Kroger opioid settlement funds on their way to Gig Harbor, other cities
Jul 25, 2024 | By: Conor WilsonMost jurisdictions in the West Sound have signed on to a settlement agreement with grocery company Kroger following a lawsuit over its role in the opioid crisis. Others are expected to follow suit. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the $47.5 million settlement in April. The grocery company, which does business in Washington as QFC
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Healthy Youth Survey shows positive trends in Peninsula schools
Jul 18, 2024 | By: Conor WilsonMental health outcomes for Peninsula District students are comparable to their peers in Pierce County, according to a recent statewide survey. But results also underscore recent concerns from community members about bullying at district high schools. Data from the 2023 Healthy Youth Survey showed positive trends for students across Washington. The survey is an anonymous
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PenMet Parks celebrates installation of final recreation center beam
Jul 17, 2024 | By: Ed FriedrichContractors and parks people performed the rite, albeit later than expected because steel delivery had been delayed.
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Hybrid emergency room, urgent care planned for Port Orchard
Jul 10, 2024 | By: Conor WilsonVirginia Mason Franciscan Health announced Tuesday that it plans to open a new hybrid emergency room and urgent care facility at its Port Orchard campus on South Kitsap Boulevard. Currently, VMFH offers only urgent care and other specialty services at the Port Orchard site. Creating the dual-purpose facility, the health care providers say, will vastly
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Wellness Wednesday | Tips for being sun-safe
Jul 09, 2024 | By: Scot FleshmanJuly is UV Safety Awareness Month, but what do you need to know about UV safety to make informed and good decisions for yourself and your family? UV basics Let’s start with some ultraviolet (UV) basics. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. These are forms of radiation and are classified
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A SAIF place for people struggling with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Jul 08, 2024 | By: Conor WilsonA short-term residential facility supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across Washington is expected to open near Gig Harbor in the coming months. The facility will help its clients avoid institutionalization and return to their home communities. The facility, located along Highway 302 west of Wright Bliss Road, will provide crisis care and
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Public safety sales tax revenues would primarily sustain police staffing
Jul 02, 2024 | By: Conor WilsonAfter overwhelmingly rejecting a property tax increase earlier this year, Gig Harbor voters will head to the polls again this summer to vote on a sales tax measure supporting the city’s police department and general fund budget. Revenue from the proposed Public Safety Sales Tax, which will appear on the Aug. 6 primary ballot, would
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One year after the ‘Blake Fix,’ arrests are up but treatment still lags
Jul 02, 2024 | By: Conor WilsonApril Kelly spent years in and out of jail because of her addiction. Her health suffered, she lost contact with family and eventually ended up homeless. None of it was enough to make her quit. “They talk about reaching your bottom,” she said, “but it didn’t matter what I lost or how alone I was.
Read MoreRehab and physical therapy clinic in Port Orchard closing
Jun 20, 2024 | By: Conor WilsonVirginia Mason Franciscan Health confirmed Monday that it will close its outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy clinic in Port Orchard next month. St. Michael Medical Center President Chad Melton said the clinic is no longer financially viable given current insurance reimbursement rates, especially for Medicaid. The office plans to close July 12. The care of
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