New ORCA Center supports recovery after overdose
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Executive Shannon Braddock joined the City of Seattle and Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) this week to celebrate the opening of the new Opioid Recovery and Care Access (ORCA) Center and shared a tour of the new facility on Instagram. The ORCA Center offers people a welcoming place to recover after an overdose and start treatment. It’s an important resource in King County’s work to address local impacts of the opioid crisis. “Thanks to collaboration across all levels of government to confront the opioid overdose crisis, we now have… Read More
Support that works: Mental health and recovery resources
Nothing is more important than our health and well-being, and that includes our mental health. This week is World Suicide Prevention Week, and throughout September we are also recognizing National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. These observances are a reminder that no one should have to face mental health challenges or substance use disorders alone, that help is available, and that healing is possible. Many of us have lost people or know people who have tragically lost family and friends to suicide. It is important to remember that we can… Read More
Be 911 Aware – calling for help using modern devices
Crossposted from KCIT Many people are giving up their traditional landline phone service and moving to cell phones or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service. Be aware that these services works differently than traditional landline 911 service. If you’re using a cell phone to call 911, only your general location may display at the 911 center. Because of this, it is very important that you know your location and can relay the address, street names, or nearby landmarks. Text-to-911 is a service in King County that can help those who are… Read More
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide is a difficult but critical topic, and chances are it has touched your life or someone you know. It affects people of all backgrounds and is currently the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. Recognizing the warning signs is key to prevention. Starting a conversation about suicide won’t encourage it; instead, it opens the door to support and connection. If someone you know is struggling, listen without judgment, offer help, and connect them to professional resources. Your awareness and compassion can truly make a life-saving difference. Learn more. Supervisors: Here… Read More
KCSO Deputies visit Goddard School In Redmond
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter Recently, the Goddard School in Redmond reached out with a special request for a visit from King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies. Deputies K. Baker and S. Wickland were more than happy to oblige! The visit was a hit with students and staff alike, and recently KCSO received a heartfelt thank you letter from the school’s director, expressing their appreciation for the time and care our deputies shared. Moments like these remind us how meaningful it is to connect with young people in… Read More
King County Metro represented at Cascade Bicycle Club’s 2025 Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party
King County employees are going the distance, riding their bikes from Seattle to Vancouver B.C. over the course of two days. The 2025 Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP) took place Aug. 23-24, and was a 195-mile ride with 6,792 feet of elevation gain as riders left from the University of Washington in Seattle and rode all the way to David Lam Park in Vancouver, B.C. This was a supported ride with snacks and water refill stations provided, but riders needed to bring their own leg power, motivation, and (in order to… Read More
Executive Braddock announces $2.17 million in Re+ grants that will help small businesses and nonprofits reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions
King County Executive Shannon Braddock recently announced a combined $2.17 million in grant funding for 14 projects that will reduce waste and keep valuable resources in the economy and out of the landfill. Each project contributes to Re+, King County’s initiative to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to a sustainable circular economy. Nearly half of the projects will reduce food waste by collecting unused crops from local farms for culinary training and free meals, reducing waste generated from events, and converting food waste into organic fertilizer for local farmers. Several… Read More
King County Metro asks ‘Where to?’ in rider-centric ad campaign
Crossposted from Metro Matters A bicycle race. A first date. A polar plunge. Every rider has a different destination, but they’re all taking King County Metro to get there. Our new advertising campaign, “Where to?”, shares some of the individual aspirations behind the 1.8 million trips that Metro delivers each week. Metro’s in-house creative and marketing teams captured stunning visuals of riders using transit to traverse our beautiful region by bus, light rail and water taxi. In a nod to the destination signs on buses that might read “Ballard,” “Downtown” or “Skyway,” each… Read More
BBQ held at Precinct 3 to celebrate our little chiefs
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter On Aug. 14, King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) employees gathered to welcome LC Carson and LC Easton into their law enforcement family, and were thrilled to have their families join too! A special barbecue was in order. LC Carson had a special request for ribs, and KCSO staff were more than happy to serve them up. A special shout out to Det. Hoaglan for preparing! As for LC Easton, since he loves to drive, we surprised him with a police car, complete with… Read More
National Payroll Week Sept. 1-5
National Payroll Week is Sept. 1–5. It is a time to honor and celebrate the vital work of payroll professionals. The Department of Human Resources (DHR) Director Jay Osborne says, “I want to take this opportunity to thank our payroll professionals for everything they do for all King County employees. They are always there for King County employees, ensuring we receive our pay accurately and on time for each pay period. Our employees know that they can rely on the payroll team’s expertise and professionalism, and the systems they have developed and manage.” … Read More
