Panhandle Health District

PHD Passes New Policy on Informed Consent From the Panhandle Health District (PHD) Board of Health meeting, June 11, 2026 (You Tube):

Following a presentation on informed consent by the Medical Director, Dr. Gregory Pennock, MD, a motion was proposed by Dr. Duke Johnson, MD, Kootenai County, to adopt an informed consent policy for the Panhandle Health District.

The Board of Health, led by chairman, Dr. Thomas Fletcher, MD, Bonner County, approved the motion by a vote of 5 to 2. Also voting in favor of the measure were Joel Noland, NMD, Kootenai County; Glen Bailey, Bonner County; and Melissa Cowles, Shoshone County. Bonner County Commissioner Ron Korn, who regularly attends the Board of Health meetings, was present and has been a longtime advocate of informed consent.
As part of the informed consent process, the risks, benefits and alternatives for each procedure or treatment will be discussed with the individual (patient, parent, guardian or healthcare power of attorney), including vaccinations. This process shall include a discussion of the nature and purpose of the proposed intervention, reasonably foreseeable risks and benefits, and available alternatives. Also, the potential risks and benefits of declining the intervention will be discussed. The health care professional shall subjectively assess the patient’s understanding and provide information in a manner appropriate to the patient’s questions and level of comprehension. The individual will acknowledge that they understand the information presented and will have adequate time to process the information. The individual will have the ability to ask any questions and have those questions answered to his/her satisfaction before consenting to the intervention.

The health district clinical staff will continue to use CDC vaccine information statements (VIS) per federal mandate. Additionally, pertinent aspects of FDA-approved package inserts will be reviewed for each vaccine or pharmaceutical administered. Other patient educational materials may also be used to support the process but will not replace individualized clinical counseling by licensed medical professionals.

This policy is consistent with and supplements the informed consent and parental consent statutes of the State of Idaho. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a distinct informed consent policy has been implemented by any of the health districts of Idaho.

WIC Income Guidelines Update – Effective July 1, 2026
Idaho’s WIC program has announced updated income eligibility guidelines to reflect cost-of-living adjustments. These new guidelines go into effect July 1, 2026, and help ensure more families can access nutritious foods and support services.
WIC provides:
- Free healthy foods (like fruits, veggies, milk, and more)
- Nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support
- Health screenings and referrals

Learn more and see the full income chart at:
https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=36789&dbid=0&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS

Panhandle Health District will be closed Friday June 19, 2026 in observance of Juneteenth.

🩺❤️ Community Health Fair & Blood Drive ❤️🩺

Join us for a day focused on health, connection, and giving back!
✨ Free health resources & community vendors
✨ Fun for the whole family
✨ Opportunities to connect with local services

🩸 Blood Drive Bonus: Donate blood and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $10,000 gift card! One donation can save lives—and this time, it could change yours too.

📅 May 28th, 2026
📍 8500 N Atlas Rd, Hayden
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bring a friend, spread the word, and come be part of something meaningful. Every drop counts. ❤️

Parenting can feel overwhelming sometimes—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Join our Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) group to better understand your child’s needs, strengthen your connection, and feel more confident in your role as a parent. This evidence-based program helps you learn how to support your child’s emotional world while also taking care of yourself.

✨ Learn to read your child’s cues
✨ Build a secure, trusting relationship
✨ Support emotional regulation
✨ Feel more confident as a parent
Open to parents and caregivers of young children.

📲 Scan the QR code to save your spot!
Stay tuned for upcoming dates and details!