From Jill Natalie Jason Foreman, a 16-year-old from Spanaway, is fighting osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer that only 400 to 500 kids and teens are diagnosed with each year. Jason should be thinking about school, friends and getting his driver’s license. Instead, what started as leg pain, turned out to be a large tumor in…
Category: Health
Health
Help shape the future of aging and disability support in Pierce County: public invited to review draft Area Plan
What helps you live a full, supported, and independent life as you age or manage a disability in Pierce County? More than 800 local older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers shared their daily experiences through our survey and community conversations. Their input helped Pierce County Human Services create an updated roadmap—and now we need…
In with the new – a day of transition
By Marianne Lincoln I am awake early this morning thinking about the experiences I have had this week. One of my best friends, my classmate in school, and my bridesmaid, lost her husband. He actually isn’t gone yet, his acute event left him without brain activity in the ICU. She sent me a text. I…
Toxic Algae Advisory for Spanaway Lake
TPCHD — The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department has now issued a toxic algae caution advisory for Spanaway Lake as of August 13, 2026. You should avoid areas of the lake where you see algae because they can pose health concerns. You’ll see signs posted at the lake to let you know about the advisory….
Pretty blooms, fatal attraction
By Marianne Lincoln It is mid-July and Wild Carrot is in bloom everywhere. Also known as Queen Anne’s Lace, the wild carrot flower is safe and pretty. But is has a deadly look alike, Poison Hemlock, and you need to know how to tell them apart. This video is pretty good, although it is amazing…
The MolinaCares Accord Grants $75,000 to Peninsula Community Health Services to Expand Mobile Mammography Access including rural Pierce County
BREMERTON, Wash., July 13, 2026 — The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Washington (“Molina”), presented a $75,000 grant to Peninsula Community Health Services (“PCHS”) to support deployment of the region’s first mobile mammography unit serving Kitsap, Mason, and rural Pierce counties. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Washington…
Serving Up Food Crawls – Blue Zones of Parkland Spanaway
Blue Zones of Parkland Spanaway has several upcoming Food Crawls in both communities. They are asking for registrations for the events, but there is no cost to register. Here is the registration link: https://bluezonesprojectparklandspanaway.com/events/ Upcoming food crawls include the following: July 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 amParkland Food Crawl: Marvel Bay Cafe |…
Introduction to Healthcare Employment – Arivva
From Pía Carrasco, Interim Director of Operations, Arivva Arivva is excited to once again offer its free Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP). As we launch our 7th cohort, we invite individuals to take their first steps toward a meaningful career in healthcare. Program Details:• Dates: June 1 – July 3, 2026• Format:…
March 21 – World Downs Syndrome Day
In our area, there is “A Place for Me.” It is a Resource Center for Individuals with Down Syndrome, located at 1918 112th Street East, Tacoma WA 98445. It is across 112th Street from Franklin Pierce High School. Their purpose is to provide supports and resources to the Down syndrome community and their families and…
Medicare, Medicaid, moratorium on durable medical equipment
Starting February 25, 2026, the federal government put a six-month moratorium on the purchase of durable medical equipment. The moratorium applies to medical supply companies whose principal function is to furnish DMEPOS supplies directly to beneficiaries, medical providers, or both. It does not apply to entities whose primary function is not DMEPOS provision, such as…
PLU Health Center and the Land Use Advisory Commission
The first Wednesday evening of the month is the Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Land Use Advisory Commission. This evening, Pacific Lutheran University brought a concept of their new medical facilities. This Planned Unit Development (PUD) includes a health center for teaching with real patients, an office building, and a hospital. The team brought in a packet of information…
Blue Zones Events
Every week, Blue Zones partners with Pierce County Parks and local organizations to host free events dedicated to healthy living, movement, and building community! Here are some upcoming events – make sure you register in advance to secure your spot: Feb 18th @ 6pm: Line Dancing with Friends, Sprinker Recreation CenterFeb 19th @ 12pm: Qi Gong at Trinity Lutheran Church Feb…
Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeship Program
Arivva is offering a free Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP) Phase 1, designed to help individuals take their first steps toward a meaningful career in healthcare. Registration is open through February 6, 2026.Classes run February 9 to March 6, 2026, in person from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at: 402 Garfield St…
West Coast Health Alliance
Washington, California and Oregon to launch new West Coast Health Alliance to uphold scientific integrity in public health as Trump destroys CDC’s credibility WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: In response to recent federal actions that have undermined the independence of the CDC and raised concerns about the politicization of science, Washington, California and Oregon Washington are…
More summer fun events to go!
Summer is not quite over and here are many more events still happening for your enjoyment! On August 16, Sprinker Recreation Center is holding another Junk in the Trunk event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. a fun and innovative twist on the classic garage sale! This is the perfect opportunity to sell your items…
Questions about WA Cares Fund?
Pierce County’s Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) is announcing a new initiative to educate residents, community organizations, and employers about the WA Cares Fund, Washington’s first-of-its-kind public long-term care insurance program. ADR is offering expert-led informational presentations, available in-person or online, to clarify benefits, eligibility, and the future of long-term care for Pierce County residents….
June 18 Seminar on toxic algae
Join your neighbors to learn what causes toxic algae! • Get the toxic algae basics.• Learn what you can do to prevent algae.• How can natural yard care help? Join the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department from 6-8 p.m. on June 18 in the Alder Room at Sprinker Recreation Center! You can also join online…
Introduction to Healthcare Apprenticeship and Education Program
Arivva is providing a complimentary Introduction to Healthcare Apprenticeship and Education Program (IHAP) Phase 1. Registration will be open through May 12, 2025. Phase 1 accommodates up to 20 students and will take place at WorkSource Pierce from May 19 to June 6, 2025. Participants will receive Basic Lifesaving training/certification and a monetary stipend. Graduates of IHAP Phase 1 can…
Lions Disabled Kids Easter Egg Hunt
On Saturday, April 19, right at 10 a.m., the Spanaway Lions will hold an easter egg hunt for disabled kids and their families. The event will be held at the Prairie House Museum, in the grassy field behind the garage. The address is 710 176th Street, Spanaway, WA 98387, adjacent to the Fir Lane Memorial…
February, wellness with Blue Zones
Here’s what we’ve got going on! Financial Wellness Moai with Habitat for Humanity Learn how to budget, save, and purchase an affordable home through Habitat for Humanity.When: Every Wednesday starting Feb 5th at 5PM Where: Spanaway Lutheran Church Healthy Cooking Made Simple (Two Sessions)When: Monday, Feb 10th at 1PM & Wednesday, Feb 12th at 6PM Where: Sprinker Recreation…