A highly successful paint recycling program shows how extended producer responsibility reduces waste, protects human and environmental health
Cross-posted from Department of Natural Resources and Parks. The success of a statewide rule that holds producers responsible for their own products, such as leftover paint, is a key component of Re+, King County’s initiative to prevent pollution, protect human and environmental health, and keep waste management costs in check. A state law that went into effect in 2020 promoting product stewardship dramatically reduced the amount of oil-based paint sent to the regional landfill in Maple Valley, preventing waste and protecting the natural environment in King County. An estimated 15,000 gallons of… Read More
Drug Court celebrates 30 years on Sept. 16
Cross-posted from King County Superior Court. King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC) will hold an in-person 30th anniversary celebration on September 16 in the Presiding Courtroom (E-942) of the King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle to celebrate three decades of “Transforming Lives and Strengthening Communities.” “Drug Court provided me with the treatment and resources that transformed my life. Since graduating, I have devoted my time to helping others by returning to work at the same program that saved me, supporting those who are facing similar struggles,” said Joe Barsana, a KCDDC… Read More
Your voice can be part of the future of Metro’s paratransit services
Crossposted from Metro Matters Are you an Access rider, caregiver to an Access rider, or service provider? Help shape the future of Access Transportation by taking our survey! King County Metro is continuing its full review of our paratransit rideshare service, Access Transportation, that will shape the service for the next seven to 10 years. We are at the stage where we are looking for community feedback from Access riders, Access caregivers, and Access service providers – organizations and businesses where Access riders are picked up and dropped off. If any of… Read More
A new era of health and racial equity in King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider At a recent community celebration, Public Health – Seattle & King County unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic plan aimed at improving the health and well-being of our community. This new roadmap is the culmination of extensive collaboration and input from nearly 100 community and public health system partners, as well as hundreds of Public Health staff members. Informed by the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and underscored by King County’s commitment to equity and the declaration of racism as a public health crisis, the plan charts a course toward a… Read More
New podcast miniseries explores the wide world of septic systems
Crossposted from Public Health Insider What happens when we flush a toilet, or turn off a sink tap? For most of us, we don’t give much thought to it – out of sight, out of mind. But once we walk away, what goes down the drain begins a whole new journey through the wastewater system. In King County, over 85,000 homes and businesses rely on septic systems to treat their wastewater and protect their health every day. But what is a septic system? What happens when it fails, and what happens to… Read More
Backpack giveaway event at Overcomer Covenant Church
Last week, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) joined forces with Overcomer Covenant Church to distribute backpacks to the South King County community. In partnership with Mission Africa, the church generously provided 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to local children. This event also offered valuable community resources and snacks for all attendees. Sgt. R. Nishimura and Deputy K. Ray staffed the KCSO booth, spreading joy by distributing frisbees, bracelets, and stickers to the excited kids. Officers were particularly moved by a young child who took an immediate liking to Deputy Ray… Read More
Emergency Management and Regional Animal Services support National Night Out
Crossposted from the DES Express National Night Out is an annual event that promotes community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It’s also an opportunity for public safety agencies, including King County Emergency Management and Regional Animal Services of King County, to share critical information with the community. Last week, Emergency Management employees went on the road in Carnation and Milton, while RASKC animal control officers paid visits to Issaquah, Kenmore, North Bend and Snoqualmie. Read more.
First-of-its-kind behavioral health crisis center opens in north King County
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
King County Executive and Sheriff’s Office announce arrests as part of ‘Operation Safe Transit’ initiative
Summary King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office announced successful arrests as part of “Operation Safe Transit” to combat crime along the key transit corridor in downtown Seattle. Story King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced four arrests as part of a larger public safety initiative to make transit safer, combat crime, and provide behavioral health supports and resources, particularly along the transit corridor in downtown Seattle. The larger initiative, known as “Operation Safe Transit,” was launched by KCSO on May 1… Read More
Beat the bell: Get your kids vaccinated before school starts
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
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