Lacy M. Fehrenbach
lacyf.bsky.social
Lacy M. Fehrenbach
@lacyf.bsky.social
I ❤️ people, science, outdoors, travel, tennis, documentaries, books, music, pups, and the Oxford comma.

Posts mostly about public health, sometimes sports or other fun things.

📍 Washington state

Personal account.
Opinions=own. Reposts≠endorsements.
"We are, as a nation, addicted to guns. It’s an addiction that alters our judgment and compels us to fight more and more vociferously for it, despite the damage it causes all around us."

Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and youth in the US.

www.seattletimes.com/opinion/when...
When will we overcome our deadly addiction to guns? | Op-Ed
Adults cannot place the whole burden of addressing the preventable tragedy of gun deaths on the shoulders of our brilliant young people.
www.seattletimes.com
September 6, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
We have issued a Standing Order for the COVID-19 vaccine, making it easier for WA residents to get vaccinated. Read more at doh.wa.gov/newsroom/doh...
DOH confirms COVID-19 vaccine position with new Standing Order
For immediate release: September 5, 2025   (25-104) Contact: DOH Communications
doh.wa.gov
September 5, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
Today, WA joins CA and OR in forming the West Coast Health Alliance to ensure our residents continue receiving science-based #PublicHealth recommendations. This partnership ensures our states will continue working with trusted medical orgs to protect our communities' health and safety.
September 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Insightful read from Rick Bright about the mRNA platform and the strategic mistakes we are making by abandoning it in the US

www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/o...
Opinion | America Is Abandoning One of the Greatest Medical Breakthroughs
www.nytimes.com
August 18, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Vaccines have saved more than 150 million children globally over the past 50 years.

This decision and message will cause harm directly (less $ for vaccination efforts) and indirectly (sowing doubts re safety).
June 25, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
Banning plastic bags works to limit shoreline litter, study finds
Banning plastic bags works to limit shoreline litter, study finds
Researchers analyzed data from thousands of beach cleanups and cross-referenced that with state policies on plastic bags. They were happy with what they learned.
www.seattletimes.com
June 19, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
BREAKING: A federal judge reversed National Institutes of Health's terminations of hundreds of critical research grants that were canceled because of their alleged connection to disfavored topics, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender identity.

This is a major win for public health.
June 16, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
Despite CDC’s recent update, ACOG continues to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy in any trimester and during lactation. The vaccine is safe, effective, and protects parents and infants, especially in the first six months of the infant’s life. Learn more: bit.ly/3RWsM3z
June 6, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
Trump administration cancels $766 million Moderna contract to fight pandemic flu
Trump administration cancels $766 million Moderna contract to fight pandemic flu
The Trump administration has canceled $766 million awarded to drugmaker Moderna Inc. to develop a vaccine against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including H5N1 bird flu.
www.seattletimes.com
May 29, 2025 at 1:30 AM
RFK Jr. unilaterally rolls back Covid vaccine recommendations for healthy children, pregnant people www.statnews.com/2025/05/27/c... via @statnews.com
RFK Jr. rolls back Covid vaccine recommendations for healthy children, pregnant people
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that he has unilaterally struck the recommendation that healthy children and healthy pregnant people get Covid booster shots.
www.statnews.com
May 27, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
A reminder that if the minimum wage had kept pace with worker productivity gains since the 1960s, it would now be nearly $26 an hour.
May 17, 2025 at 11:01 PM
“The states have submitted copious examples of irreparable harm flowing directly from HHS’ decision to terminate this funding directly to their local health jurisdictions,” the judge wrote.

www.courthousenews.com/trump-appoin...
Trump-appointed judge blocks $11 billion in cuts to public health funding
“Agencies do not have unfettered power to further a president's agenda,” U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy ruled Friday.
www.courthousenews.com
May 17, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
A federal judge on Friday indefinitely prohibited the Department of Health and Human Services from terminating $11 billion in public health grants set aside for states.
Judge Extends Block on Public Health Cuts for More Than 20 States
www.nytimes.com
May 17, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
We need the help of all Washingtonians, and I urge everybody to raise awareness of the support services that are available for suicide prevention.

Together, we must encourage those in need to reach out for help, hope, and community.
Washington State is committed to fighting suicide among service members, veterans, and families. Watch @governorferguson.bsky.social's overview video and learn how to help!

🔗 Read more: dva.wa.gov/news/2025/ne... #GovsChallengeWA #SuicidePrevention #SMVFSupport #GovernorsChallenge #EndSuicide
May 13, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
About 216k people in Washington could lose coverage under GOP Medicaid cuts, per estimates-

Top 7 counties hit hardest are in Eastern WA, including three — Ferry, Pend Oreille & Adams counties — where 50% of working-age population is on subsidized health care.

www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
New WA data shows where GOP health cuts would hurt the most
It's not the blue parts of Washington that rely most on subsidized medical care. So can the GOP defy political gravity and finally cut Obamacare and Medicaid?
www.seattletimes.com
May 14, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
We all want to dive right in, but it's better to be prepared. Everything from saltwater beach advisories to pool. lake, and river safety can be found at doh.wa.gov/community-an...
Water Recreation Safety
Beach Advisories – Find out if the beach you want to visit is open or closed, or if any advisories are posted.
doh.wa.gov
May 13, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
May 12, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
RFK Jr. is set to testify before the Senate HELP Committee on Wednesday, May 14, about President Trump’s fiscal 2026 HHS budget request. Tune in for a post-hearing discussion with @julierovner.bsky.social, @stephaniearmour.bsky.social, @dariustahir.bsky.social and @kff.org's Jennifer Kates.
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: RFK Jr.’s Hearing With Senate HELP Committee: A Live Discussion. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to testify before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Wednesday, May 14, about President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2026 Department of Health and H...
kff-org.zoom.us
May 12, 2025 at 9:18 PM
These awards are a key step to improving maternal health and reducing health inequities in tribal and rural communities, where access to maternity care can be limited.

doh.wa.gov/newsroom/doh...
DOH awards funding to strengthen maternal health in Tribal and rural communities
For immediate release: May 12, 2025   (25-068) Contact: DOH Communications
doh.wa.gov
May 12, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
Our Care-a-Van is back! They provide blood glucose and blood pressure screenings, along with COVID-19, Mpox, flu, and childhood vaccines. Register in advance if you can: bit.ly/Care_A_Van
Care-a-Van Mobile Health Services
Attention: After securing limited funding, we are pleased to share that Care-A-Van will continue to offer vaccination clinics through June 30, 2025. Visit the “Upcoming Events” section on this page to...
bit.ly
April 30, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
I just signed SB 5557 to ensure pregnant individuals can access the full range of emergency medical care at hospitals across the state.

This bill requires hospitals to provide an abortion when it's the necessary standard of care to protect the health or safety of a pregnant person.
April 30, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Reposted by Lacy M. Fehrenbach
And now, a note on Bill Owens who, until this past week, was the executive producer of 60 Minutes.

We’ll be back next week with another edition of 60 Minutes.
April 28, 2025 at 12:38 AM
DESC "helped more than 120 people start the medication using the new technique during a pilot period last year. More than 70% of them made it to their second month of treatment."

www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
A potential ‘game changer’ for fentanyl addiction
A new way of administering buprenorphine is helping people who struggled with or feared the excruciating side effects of other methods.
www.seattletimes.com
April 27, 2025 at 3:58 PM