Drug-Related Deaths on the Rise, say Sheriff, Coroner

by Linda Stansberry on January 31, 2018 at 12:55PM

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office released a comprehensive report Monday which shows that deaths due to alcohol and other drugs continue to rise. The report, compiled by HCSO public information specialist Samantha Karges and Humboldt County Coroner's Office legal office assistant Brent Ferguson and reviewed by the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services, examined all "unattended deaths" in the county over the last three years.

Dying and Destitute

by Thadeus Greenson on January 16, 2018 at 6:17PM

Lang rises to leave. She knows the couple well.

Crab Health Advisory Lifted

by Linda Stansberry on December 29, 2017 at 2:32PM

From the California Department of Public Health: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has lifted the last remaining health advisory for Dungeness crab caught along the California Coast.

A Deadly Year in Humboldt: 2017 Marks Record for Road Deaths

by Linda Stansberry on December 26, 2017 at 4:12PM

About a third of all the fatalities were cases of pedestrians hit by vehicles. At least two in Southern Humboldt reportedly involved a person running in front of a moving vehicle on U.S. Highway 101.

The Ugly Holiday Sweater Fun Run in Photos

by Mark Larson on December 26, 2017 at 8:41AM

Update: More Schools Close Down Due to Norovirus Outbreak

by Kimberly Wear on December 21, 2017 at 4:33PM

Update: Add the Fortuna Elementary School District to the growing list, according to a Facebook post. There will be no classes tomorrow at any of the four campuses.

UPDATE: Norovirus hits ECS Prompting School Closures

by Kimberly Wear on December 20, 2017 at 2:26PM

Norovious, which causes vomiting and other miserable conditions, is highly contagious and can be difficult to contain due to its resistance to most disinfectants. A similar outbreak in counties to our south earlier this year hit upwards of 4,000 people, eventually spreading from Woodland to West Sacramento and Davis, despite several school closures and extensive decontamination efforts, according to a Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services news release on the South Bay school closures.

St. Joseph Nurses Decry Operating Room Staffing, Hospital Pledges 'Comprehensive Plan'

by Thadeus Greenson on December 16, 2017 at 1:48PM

Humboldt County has long been experiencing a nursing shortage, especially with regard to registered nurses. While the problem was exacerbated by the shuttering of Humboldt State University's nursing program back in 2010, officials announced in February that HSU, College of the Redwoods and the local healthcare industry are partnering on launching a new program to help meet local nursing demand.

Update: South Bay District Closes Schools as Norovirus Outbreak Hits

by Kimberly Wear on December 15, 2017 at 3:01PM

Humboldt County health officials are warning parents about an apparent norovirus outbreak that struck more than 130 students in the South Bay Union School District, along with several staff members this week. The district announced today that it is closing its three campuses beginning Monday and running through Winter Break.

Bass Announces $4.8 Million Federal Grant, Ramped Up Needle Disposal Efforts at Packed Opioid Town Hall

by Andrew George Butler on November 15, 2017 at 9:33AM

Statistics show Dugan’s story is far from unique. California’s reported an average opioid overdose rate of 4.6 per 100,000 residents in 2016.