boise

Boise

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

houston

Houston

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Boise

Make Boise better, one neighbor at a time.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced that 

 after someone who contracted the disease abroad brought it back to their home. Officials warned that measles is incredibly infectious, but that they are “hopeful” that further spread could be prevented.

With the state on measles watch, we’re also looking at a few other ways to help keep you and your community healthy this fall.

Anyone with or without insurance can get a free flu vaccine at a drive-thru clinic at the Consulate of Mexico in Boise on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic is being put on by the Idaho Immunization Coalition, St. Luke’s, and Idaho State University. 

🩸 Donate Blood During National Shortage

The American Red Cross said that the national blood supply is about 25% lower than expected, and said earlier this week that 

Measles, Flu, & Blood: How to Keep Boise Healthy

Measles, Flu, & Blood: How to Keep Your Community Healthy

Help Your Neighbors

The City Cast Boise team has been riddled with COVID and other illnesses in the last couple weeks, and I know many of you can relate.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially 

. But since the federal health emergency has ended, cost coverage and free test programs have all evaporated within the last few months, so here are a few answers to questions you might have about where and how to test or get your booster shot.

The CDC recommends the new booster (there’s one from Moderna and one from Pfizer) for anyone over the age of six months.

Some insurance companies have changed their coverage this year, but most will still cover vaccines.

Walgreens looks like it’ll have the first ones in town, with 

Boise State University’s vaccine clinic

 remains open to the public, and staff told me their fingers are crossed that the vaccines will arrive Sept. 23. 

Plus, they won’t charge anyone for the vaccine, including those without insurance.

 expect their doses to arrive in two weeks.

no longer order free tests from the federal government

Some insurance companies have changed their coverage of testing this year, so check with your provider.

Under federal guidelines, uninsured patients with COVID exposure and/or symptoms 

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially recommended a new COVID-19 booster. But the insurance landscape has changed.

Where to Get the New COVID Booster in Boise

Idaho farmworkers are entering harvest season with few protections

. One resource is the Heat and Smoke Relief Fund, which has been operating since 2021.

The Idaho Immigrant Resource Alliance collects funds and then distributes goods — primarily bottled water — to farmworkers. On Tuesday, one person delivered 900 water bottles in Canyon County.

This summer, the Alliance aims to raise $10,000 to support this community and is 19% of the way there. 

With today’s high of 101°, Idaho farmworkers are entering harvest season with few protections. One resource is the Heat and Smoke Relief Fund, which has been operating since 2021.

Idaho Heat & Smoke Relief Fund

The Heat & Smoke Relief Fund

As temperatures dip into the single digits every night, we’re all feeling the 

 on the way. There are lots of ways to help out unhoused Boiseans as winter picks up, but a good place to start is the 

. They’re a group of multiple organizations (that you’ve probably already heard of) that puts out calls to action, along with a ton of information on:

They’re recommending ways to get creative with support this winter, including holding fundraisers with groups you’re already part of, donating to organizations, and taking direct actions to support people.

Another good way to do the latter is by 

, which puts out weekly requests from people experiencing homelessness for survival gear like tents and tarps, sleeping bags, and warm clothing.

How to Help Those Experiencing Homelessness in Boise This Winter

If you’ve ever worked in the food industry, you probably know how frustrating it can be to throw away perfectly good food at the end of the day. Luckily, 

 that picks up donated foods from establishments like restaurants, grocery stores, and hospitals, and distributes it around the valley.

Some of the groups and organizations they distribute to regularly are the Good Samaritan Home, the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, Valor Pointe, and various schools, particularly focusing on ones that need more fresh, nutritious food.

So if you work somewhere that you think could give food to Rolling Tomato, 

 to distribute food, assist with social media, or recruit new food donors. And lastly, you can always 

.

Reduce food waste by giving that food to people who need it ...



Help Your Neighbors

Measles, Flu, & Blood: How to Keep Your Community Healthy

Where to Get the New COVID Booster in Boise

The Heat & Smoke Relief Fund

Latest articles

How to Help Those Experiencing Homelessness in Boise This Winter

Help Your Neighbors Reduce Food Waste