Washington State is experiencing an epidemic of Whooping Cough with disease rates higher than they have been in 60 years. The political campaigns of  Rep. Jeannie Darneille and Rep. Laurie Jinkins are declaring the month of May 27-June 30 “Whooping Cough Awareness Month”.  They will be distributing information about the epidemic as well as the importance and availability of vaccinations as they canvass neighborhoods and through their social media outlets. 

“Our two campaigns are already out in the community talking to hundreds of people each week, so using that energy to help get people immunized seems like natural way to contribute,” says Darneille.

Jinkins and Darneille have drafted a simple, one page flyer explaining what Whooping Cough is and where to be vaccinated. They will be inviting other political campaigns to join them in distributing it. “Every campaign in Pierce County, Democrat or Republican, Tacoma to Eatonville, is invited to join us in this effort,” said Rep. Jinkins who also serves as the Deputy Director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “Every current or prospective public servant should recognize this as a big deal and we hope many will join us.” 

“This program was suggested to the campaign by a campaign volunteer who had recently heard of the trouble state officials are having spreading the word about Whooping Cough,” explains Rep. Darneille. “Laurie and I are hopeful that our campaigns, which operate on an extremely local, grassroots level can kick start an increase in awareness.”

To learn more about the Whooping Cough epidemic and how you can help raise awareness contact The Pierce County Health Department at info@tpchd.org or call (253) 798-6500.