County commissioners urge public to value public health, raise awareness on sexual assault

The Thurston County Board of Health (BOH) approved two proclamations for April at its meeting yesterday

The BOH approved a proclamation declaring April 4 - 10 as National Public Health Week to encourage citizens to support opportunities in adopting preventive lifestyle habits.

In their proclamation, the commissioners paid tribute to public health workers who have been helping the community "prevent, prepare for, withstand and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats."

BOH commissioners also highlighted the importance of public health action and scientific and technological advances in reducing the spread of infectious diseases such as the COVID-19.

"We hope you'll continue to do the best job you can even under very adverse situations," said Commissioner Gary Edwards, addressing public health professionals.

Meanwhile, the board also lamented the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in exacerbating racial inequities within communities.

"Everyone's a little bit tired and a little bit worn out after two years in this pandemic," Commissioner Carolina Mejia said. "This just highlights the importance of public health."

 'Keep on going," encouraged Mejia.

April is Sexual Awareness Month

Meanwhile, advocating for safe online communities, the BOH declared the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In line with this year's theme of "Building Safe Online Spaces Together," the BOH urged the public to "practice digital consent and promote online communities that value respect, inclusion and safety."

"Online harassment is no less harmful just because it happens online," said Thurston's Interim Director of Public Health and Social Services Kurt Hardin.

Hardin further explained that online harassment and bullying are "extremely common" in the digital age, urging the public to intervene when they see harmful content and behaviors online.

"Virtual harassment can leave lasting harm as the content is often public and unerasable, as emotionally damaging as in-person harassment."

The BOH said it would continue to promote sexual violence prevention efforts and healing services for survivors of sexual assault by supporting community partners and organizations that do such work.