Official insights from Public Health – Seattle & King County staff
In King County, falls make up a notable portion of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls involving older adults, many of which occur in the comfort of their own homes. Yet, falls are largely preventable. With awareness, preparation, and simple safety measures, you can greatly reduce your risks.
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The King County Medical Examiner’s Office Indigent Remains Program provides burial for King County residents who have died without resources or family to claim their remains for a proper burial. The next ceremony to remember these individuals will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Renton (100 Blaine Ave NE). It’s open to any member of the public who wishes to pay their respects.
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By Eric J. Chow and Sandra J. Valenciano This opinion piece was originally published in The Seattle Times on August 20, 2026. The U.S. now has more recorded cases of measles — a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease — than any time in the past 35 years. Over the past two years, the infection has impacted […]
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Elevated levels of lead have been found in the public right-of-way along the 4200 block of 23rd Avenue W in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood. Additional testing is underway to determine the extent and source of the contamination and whether further cleanup is needed.
While the investigation continues, Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that pedestrians use alternate routes around the affected block, between W Commodore Way and W Elmore Street, when possible, and avoid the alley between 22nd Avenue W and 23rd Avenue W unless access is necessary.
The health care coverage and access landscape is facing one of its most significant shifts in a decade, and here in King County, a mighty team of health insurance experts have been preparing for the impacts.
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A partnership between Chief Seattle Club and Evergreen Treatment Services offers immediate support to people who ask for help with substance use. Funded by the King County Opioid Settlement, the pilot program has provided 500 over client engagements and referrals.
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