Crossposted from Cultivating Connections On Aug. 12, Connections Health Solutions and the City of Kirkland opened the region’s first walk-in 24/7 behavioral health crisis center along with partner cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline. The new crisis center will provide walk-in urgent care and continued stabilization for people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Its opening completes the first fully connected local crisis care system for behavioral health in King County: connecting and providing our North King County community members with someone to call (988 or the Regional Crisis Connections Line),… Read More

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… 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… 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,… Read More

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… Read More

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… 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,… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro is increasing transit service this fall, including adding over 3,700 new bus trips each week, launching the RapidRide G Line in Seattle, connecting buses to new Sound Transit light rail stations, and expanding Metro Flex to Northshore. Starting Sept. 14, King County Metro is expanding evening and weekend transit service, and launching its eighth RapidRide – the G Line – which will provide fast and frequent service through downtown Seattle, First Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, and Madison Valley. Read more.