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OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson offered the following statement on activating resources from the Washington National Guard:

"Tonight, I am tapping emergency funds and ordering Washington National Guard resources to support the search for Travis Decker, who is suspected of killing his three daughters. At the request of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, we will be providing helicopter transportation for law enforcement as they search in remote areas.

"As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia’s mom, Whitney, and all those who love them. The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state. I’m committed to supporting law enforcement as they seek justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia.

"I want to remind Washingtonians to be aware of safety directives from law enforcement as the search continues. If you live in the area, keep your doors and windows locked. Avoid closed areas, which currently include the Enchantments and the Icicle River area. If you see Travis Decker, do not approach – call 911. Anyone with information should contact Chelan County Sheriff's Office."

Worsham brings 32 years of public health experience in both rural and urban health systems

OLYMPIA — Today Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Dennis Worsham as Washington’s new Secretary of Health, effective July 7. Worsham, a lifelong Washingtonian, will

lead the state Department of Health (DOH) following 32 years of public health experience and leadership in both rural and urban public health systems.

Most recently, Worsham served as the first director of public health for the Snohomish County Health Department, after the Snohomish Health District integrated into county government in 2023.

“Dennis Worsham is well positioned to lead the Department of Health,” Governor Ferguson said. “His decades of experience and broad skillset will help chart a new vision for public health in Washington state.”

“As Washington’s Secretary of Health, I am honored to serve and deeply committed to upholding and strengthening a public health system that is not only resilient, but also more just,” Worsham said. “It is critical that we continue to build a system that earns the trust of communities and strives for every person to have equitable access to the care and resources they need to thrive. Public health is not just about addressing illness and injury — it’s about preventing them. It’s about preparing for the unexpected, addressing root causes of health inequities, and investing in systems that protect people before a crisis begins. We must ensure health and well-being is not a privilege but a shared foundation for all.”

Worsham grew up in Othello, Washington. He has held several leadership roles throughout his career at both local and state levels, including deputy secretary for health at DOH and interim director of public health for Seattle and King County. Worsham began his career in public health at the Snohomish Health District in the 1990s. There he worked as an HIV/STD/hepatitis program manager and health educator.

Worsham also has experience in policy development and advocacy. He has served roles on public health committees and commissions, including as a committee member with Leadership Tomorrow, president and vice president of the Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA), chair and member of the Washington State Public Health Roundtable, and as a longtime member of the Washington State Foundational Public Health Services committee, among other appointments and task forces. 

Worsham earned a bachelor’s degree in health services administration at Eastern Washington University.

OLYMPIA — “We condemn President Trump’s illegal activation of California National Guard forces over the objections of California’s governor.

“We understand the strong feelings that President Trump’s actions are generating in our state. The right to protest is core to our nation. It is critical that Washingtonians do so peacefully. Violence will not be tolerated. Those who break the law can expect to be held accountable.

“At the same time, we expect that local law enforcement will manage all protests with professionalism, and without interference from the federal government.”

LOS ANGELES – Governors Gavin Newsom (California), Tina Kotek (Oregon), and Bob Ferguson (Washington) put out a joint statement today condemning U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for dismissing all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and reiterating their states’ commitment to following the science to protect public health. Secretary Kennedy claimed that the members of ACIP – experts and physicians that develop recommendations on the use of vaccines – were fueling a “crisis of public trust.”

In reality, ACIP has served the nation for 60 years as the trusted, rigorous reference for the nation’s immunization recommendations. ACIP members — who have included current and past employees of the Public Health Departments of California, Oregon, and Washington – have extensive immunization expertise, are carefully screened for major conflicts of interest and selected through a lengthy process. The unprecedented, abrupt removal of all current ACIP members less than three weeks from their next meeting is deeply troubling for the health of the nation.

“Together, our states depend on the best science and knowledge available to protect public health, including scientific information about immunizations. We have grave concerns about the integrity and transparency of upcoming federal vaccine recommendations and will continue to collaborate to ensure that science and sound medicine prevail to prevent any loss of life.”

– Governors Newsom, Kotek, and Ferguson

The Departments of Public Health in California, Oregon, and Washington all continue to recommend all individuals age 6 months and older should have access and the choice to receive currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines, with an emphasis on protecting higher risk individuals, such as infants and toddlers, pregnant individuals, older adults and others with risks for serious disease.

California, Oregon, and Washington stood up the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup that assisted during the pandemic and are committed to continuing to work with medical experts, professional organizations, and public health partners to ensure our recommendations reflect the best available science and safeguard the health of all of our residents.

OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson gave the following statement on a federal court decision ruling President Donald Trump illegally deployed the California National Guard:

"Not surprisingly, a Federal court ruled today that Trump illegally federalized the National Guard in California without the approval of the Governor. Once again, our court system is keeping Trump's authoritarian overreach in check. Washington will be prepared if Trump attempts a similar unconstitutional stunt in Washington state."