New data shines a light on more opportunities for suicide prevention in King County

September 30, 2026.Reading time 18 minutes.

To build a fuller picture of who dies by suicide in King County and where there are opportunities to help, we recently published three new suicide data dashboards.

E‑Ride Helmet & Bike Safety: What Parents Need to Know

September 24, 2026.Reading time 11 minutes.

A child wearing a red bicycle helmet rides a black bicycle along a dirt path in a grassy park with trees in the background.

Electric bicycles and motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular among kids and teenagers. Learn how to choose the right helmet, the safety rules in Washington, and tips to help young riders travel safely.

Investing in the Power of Youth: Portraits of Public Health

September 22, 2026.Reading time 10 minutes.

Three people smiling in a portrait: a tall man with brown skin in a black beanie, blue glasses, and a T shirt that says Public Health Camp; a shorter woman with light pink skin with white hair wearing a black jacket and t-shirt; and a taller woman with curly brown hair and peachy skin wearing a black t-shirt and mustard yellow cardigan.

Last August, Public Health – Seattle & King County launched its fourth annual Public Health Camp, welcoming its largest cohort of high school and college students, between the ages of 16-21 years old, who are passionate about working in public health. For Portraits of Public Health, we talked to Debbie, Shayla, and Greg, the brain trust behind Public Health Camp, about how this event came to fruition and how our department is invested in youth and workforce development.

Preventing falls at home: How to help loved ones maintain their independence

September 21, 2026.Reading time 8 minutes.

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.

Gone but not forgotten – Indigent Remains Ceremony 2026

September 8, 2026.Reading time 4 minutes.

Photo of gravestone with flowers surrounding it

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.

The dangerous spread of measles stops with us

September 4, 2026.Reading time 7 minutes.

Close-up of a measles rash on an adolescent's neck.

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 […]