Crossposted from Public Health Insider

Summer may have the longest days of the year, but they always seem to go by the fastest. With the new school year just a few weeks away, now is a great time to make sure your child has the vaccinations they’ll need. Not only are vaccines required for school and childcare, they’re also among the best tools to help your child stay healthy and thrive, this year and beyond.

Start with your healthcare provider

If your child has a doctor, we recommend getting ahead of the crowd and making an appointment now. As the new school year gets closer, appointments often book up quickly. You can use this opportunity to also talk with your child’s doctor about any other health concerns, get a general wellness check, or complete a sports physical. Some healthcare providers offer vaccination-only visits if you’re pressed for time or have no other healthcare needs.

In Washington state, all children ages 0 to 18 can get vaccinated at no cost from a healthcare provider that participates in the Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP). Your healthcare provider might charge an administration fee (a fee for giving the vaccine), but you can ask to have it waived if you can’t afford it. Find a CVP provider near you. Read more.

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is joining with hundreds of other animal shelters nationwide in the “Clear The Shelters” initiative. During this special event, which runs from August 10 through September 10, RASKC will reduce adoption fees on all pets. The fee to adopt a cat or dog is just $30, the cost of a pet license.

“Adopting a pet from RASKC is always a great value, and during the ‘Clear The Shelters’ campaign it’s even better,” said RASKC Manager Dr. Gene Mueller. “No matter if you’re looking for a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, or other companion, our goal is always to match great pets with great homes.” Read more.

On a sunny Wednesday morning, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delicious Hawaiian cuisine wafted through the air at Patrick’s Café. This popular local spot, known for its warm ambiance and tasty offerings, played host to a special gathering – Coffee with a Cop, organized in partnership with the King County Sheriff’s Office.

The event drew a good number of community members, attracting both regular patrons and passersby. Community Service Officers (CSOs) and Deputies, accompanied by several members of the command staff and leadership, engaged in meaningful conversations with community members, listening to their concerns and answering questions.

The generous hosts at Patrick’s Café provided complimentary coffee and an assortment of pastries, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.

The event was a resounding success, fostering positive connections between law enforcement and the community while exemplifying the spirit of unity and collaboration.

Metro is partnering with the Photographic Center Northwest (PCNW) on an international call for photos to be featured at bus shelters across King County. Successful photos could remain in bus shelters for up to 10 years. This call is open to all County employees and their family members of all ages.

This year’s theme is “Show Us Your World” and intended to explore personal, cultural identity and connection. This can include, but is not limited to, photos that display:

• Culture, values, and traditions that have been passed down from previous generations.
• Shared bonds within a specific community.
• One’s history, identity, and bond to the past, present, and future.
• A visual representation or documentation of what is meaningful to you.

King County employees can submit up to five photos at no cost using the discount code 2024Discount.

To be considered, photos must be submitted by Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, through the online application form. More information about the photo call, including specifications and submission instructions can be found on the application page. A panel of judges will select up to 100 photos to be printed and installed in Metro bus shelters starting in late 2024.

Crossposted from Metro Matters

Recruiting and training new bus operators allows our region’s transit network to continue to grow. On June 21, King County Metro celebrated the graduation of 54 part-time operators to full-time status. June also marked Metro’s highest number of full-time operators since 2021, although we still need to add many more to meet the high demand for transit service in the coming years. In addition, we recently began training our first class of external candidates seeking to become full-time bus operators.

Metro has historically hired part-time operators who can later apply for full-time status. We’ve switched to hiring external candidates, which is a proven approach used by many transit agencies. While a part-time operator hiring model fit our system when more riders were traveling during commuting hours, full-time operators better fit Metro’s current workforce needs in delivering reliable all-day service. Metro plans to hire and train both part-time and full-time operators in the years ahead to meet the varied needs of our riders. Read more.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 is Election Day for the August Primary. This is your opportunity to help your favorite candidate make it to the General Election.

The best way to return your ballot this close to Election Day is by using an official ballot drop box. Drop boxes close at 8 p.m. on Aug. 6 so don’t delay, return your ballot today.

King County Elections will also have Vote Centers open this weekend for those who still need to register to vote, get a replacement ballot, or use an accessible voting device.

After you’ve voted, wear your brand new I Voted sticker and snap your #VotingSelfie. This is the first time in 15 years that King County has provided an I Voted sticker with every ballot. Wear yours with pride and let your friends and family know that theirs is waiting for them – all they need to do is vote!

For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.