Transit agencies continue safety and health efforts following UW study recommendations
Crossposted from Metro Matters Health officials say riding transit remains safe; drug levels detected on public transportation ‘extremely low.’ Agencies continue vehicle filtration system improvements and cleaning protocols already underway. In a first-of-its-kind study, the University of Washington today released an analysis of drug smoke and residue samples collected on transit vehicles, and health officials say the levels are “extremely low” and that riding transit remains safe. The five transit agencies that sponsored the study—Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Everett Transit and TriMet—are continuing plans to implement health and safety… Read More
Local food for all: Launch of 2024 refresh of the Local Food Initiative and Regional Food System Program
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green King County took a big step in becoming a leader in metropolitan food systems planning in 2014 when Executive Dow Constantine launched the Local Food Initiative (LFI) to expand the local food economy, to benefit county food businesses and farms, and to improve access to health and affordable food in low-income communities. Now, nearly a decade later, King County is launching a refresh of the LFI and King Conservation District’s complementary Regional Food System Program (RFSP). “The time is right. Climate change is more urgent than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic… Read More
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Dr. Gupta visits King County to learn more about efforts to support youth
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Last week, Dr. Gupta joined King County Executive Dow Constantine, Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Director Leo Flor, students, a parent of an alumni, and staff for a tour of the Interagency Recovery Academy, the state’s only publicly funded recovery high school. DCHS supports behavioral health outreach and recovery activities at the Recovery Academy by contributing state and federal funding. The Interagency Recovery Academy was established in 2015 as a partnership between Seattle Public Schools Interagency Academy Queen Anne Campus and the King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division… Read More
Using sick leave to volunteer helps employees make a difference in our community
Updated April 20, 2026 This week, April 19–25, is National Volunteer Week and King County’s Employee Giving Program offers a unique way for employees to convert up to three instances of sick leave each year to volunteer in their community. The volunteer program allows all employees covered by the Coalition Labor Agreement with the King County Coalition of Unions, other collective bargaining units that have ratified this option, and all non-represented employees to use up to three instances of sick leave per year for volunteer service at a local school or participating Employee Giving Program nonprofit. “Volunteering is one way we stay… Read More
Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This September, as we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are reminded that we can all provide hope and support to those who are struggling. Too many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. The COVID-19 pandemic added to our anxieties and challenges, putting further stress on people’s mental health and wellness. We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss. When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and… Read More
King County launches new effort to prevent youth suicide, invites you to join
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections September is coming around the corner, and we are preparing for September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Department of Community and Human Services partnered with Rescue Agency to develop a countywide Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign to help prevent youth suicide during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, including a Suicide Prevention Week of Action that will take place Sept. 10 – 16, 2023. Read more.
Executive, employees accept Employer Support Freedom Award in Washington D.C.
King County was honored at a ceremony in Washington D.C. with a 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of its support of National Guard and Reserve members. Only 15 recipients were selected for the award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to small and large private and public sector employers for their exceptional support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. On hand to receive the award were King County Executive Dow Constantine, Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams, Metro Transit Operator Christopher Cappelletti… Read More
Blood donations urgently needed ahead of Labor Day
Shared from the Washington State Department of Health The Washington State Department of Health and Northwest Blood Coalition urge people to donate blood now to avoid a summer blood shortage. Bloodworks Northwest and Vitalant characterize the summer months as the “100 Deadliest Days.” Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, demand for blood remains constant, transfusion needs increase, but donations go down. Despite updated donor eligibility guidelines that allow more people to donate blood, nationwide the American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations during the first two months of summer. With fewer donations,… Read More
Labor Day holiday is Monday, Sept. 4
Monday, Sept. 4 is Labor Day, which means that King County government offices will be closed. All offices will be back on schedule Tuesday, Sept. 5. On Sept. 4, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules. If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
Animal Services hosts free vet clinic
Crossposted from the DES Express Washington Health Outreach and The Ellevet Project teamed up at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) headquarters in Kent recently to provide free veterinary care for pet owners facing financial hardship. “It went really well,” said Anna Ludwig, board pre
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