Newsworthy

The job of public health officials is to monitor the health and well-being of communities. Sometimes routine assessment of the data prompts a deeper dive into issues of potential concern to the community, and sometimes policymakers and public health partners ask for more information on a topic. Emerging trends or items of interest can be found here. Check back frequently to see what’s catching public attention.

Newsworthy Items

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Suicide

Suicide death rate in Spokane County was significantly higher than that in WA state in 2021. factors that increase the risk of suicide include a history of depression or mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse, a family history of suicide or violence, and feelings of being alone. Suicide affects the individual's family and friends, but also the community as a whole. more about suicide in Spokane County.

Leading Causes of Death 2021

There were 5,869 deaths in 2021 among Spokane County residents. The leading causes of death remain as cancer and heart disease. COVID-19 emerged as the third leading cause of death. Click "Read More" to learn more about the leading causes of death in Spokane County.

Sleep Study

We present findings from the House of Charity Sleep Health Needs Assessment. In partnership with Catholic Charities Eastern Washington and the WSU College of Nursing, the Data Center surveyed 70 men experiencing homelessness who were staying at House of Charity. Pen and paper surveys were collected in-person from October to November 2022. The goal of the survey was to identify the sleep-related health needs of men experiencing homelessness at HOC, the factors impacting the quality of their sleep, and consequences of poor sleep on respondents’ daily functioning and mood. Click read more.