Health and Sustenance
Resources to help with medical bills, assist the uninsured, find cheap insurance, deal with family stress, and find food.
Health Resources
HealthCare.gov
Take control of your health care. HealthCare.gov collects both public and private health insurance options across the nation in a single place. It also has tools to help you find the right insurance for you; provides consumer information, help on navigating the health insurance marketplace, and information on how the Affordable Care Act can help you.
Depression Learning Center
Even minor depression can have an impact on your life. This site from Healthline offers information on everything from symptoms and causes to alternative therapies and prevention.
MedlinePlus: Health Information from the National Library of Medicine
MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information fromthe National Library of MEdicine, the National Institutes of Health, and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and health news.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI Washington is a statewide organization that provides resources, information and support for people affected by brain disorders. Connects these individuals with support groups, training, and resources.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Lists tips and resources for insurance shoppers in Washington. The page features a special section for those struggling to pay for health care and offers assistance with insurance complaints.
Flu Resources
Flu.gov - Know What to Do About the Flu
One-stop access to U.S. Government H1N1, avian and pandemic flu information.
Washington State Department of Health - Flu News
Learn about flu symptoms and treatments, track flu outbreaks in Washington State, find local vaccine stations, and learn how to protect yourself and your family from the flu and other viral infections.
Food Resources
DSHS - Community Services Division - Washington Basic Food Program
The Basic Food Program helps low-income individuals and families obtain a more nutritious diet by supplementing their income with Basic Food benefits.
National Gardening Association: Food Gardening Guide
"Whether you're growing basil, blueberries, or bok choy, the Food Gardening Guide will give you all the information you need to succeed." Find advice about planting, fertilizing, and pests, and read about the featured food crop of the month.
Foodhelp.wa.gov
This is your source to finding healthy and affordable food in Washington State.
WSU: Whatcom County Extension - Composting
Learn why and how to compost, different types of compost and techniques for composting, how to build your own rain barrels, and view other compost resources and materials.
Cold Weather Resources
Take Winter By Storm
Winter and inclement weather preparedness tips, information and resources for Western Washington (some of the news resources e.g. school closures focus on Western WA, but many of the resources are useful for everyone). Don't forget to keep your pets warm!
Washington Military Department: Emergency Management Division
This "In Focus" features provides information and resources to help Washington's residents deal with the most likely inclement weather problems, including freezing, flooding, heat waves, and more.
Washington Department of Commerce: Weatherization
Learn what weatherization can do for your home, get some energy-saving tips, and find weatherization services and programs in your area.
Department of Commerce: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federally funded block grant that provides money to help low income households make home heating more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter, and maintain a warm, safe, and healthy environment for households with young children, the elderly, and the disabled.
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