Every day, King County government works for healthier communities in many ways. Below, you will find just a few examples of the activities, services and resources that King County provides for residents to live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives.

Improving health care access and quality

King County is a leader in working to improve health care quality while moderating costs. Learn more about the work and recommendations of the groundbreaking Health Care Advisory Task Force.

Public Health ­ Seattle & King County and local community clinics provide medical and dental services at centers across King County, particularly for people who have no insurance or limited ability to pay.

Many children, families and adults in King County may be able to get free or low cost health insurance, based on income and family size.

Public Health’s insurance application workers are available to assist in filling out insurance forms and connecting to different services.

King County Metro has routes to all major hospitals and medical centers in the area, and to local Public Health centers and services.

Mental health services for children and adults who meet income and need criteria are available at community mental health agencies across King County.

Alcohol and drug treatment assessment and screening is available at the King County Assessment Center and other locations around King County.

Veterans' Program staff are available to provide mental health, trauma counseling, emergency housing and other assistance and supports for veterans and their families.

Promoting healthy and active living

King County Parks offers swimming lessons that follow the American Red Cross "Learn to Swim" program and are grouped by age, learning ability, and swimming skill.

Looking for a swimming pool, climbing rock or soccer field? King County provides a Parks Information page that allows users to search by park name, park type, location, facilities, or amenities, such as baseball diamonds, trails, or climbing rocks.

Get ideas for making physical activity a part of your life.

Pick up a walking map and rediscover your local communities through scenic routes.

Hiking, biking or roller blading on a King County trail is a great way to stay active. The King County Trail System now offers more than 100 miles of paved and nearly 70 miles of unpaved trails.

Get information on local bike trails, the bus and bike program, where to get low-cost helmets, and more!

Find a smoke-free restaurant or get help on kicking the habit.

Feel better by making healthy eating a part of your life.

Get great tasting recipes weekly that are good for you, too!

Learn why breastfeeding is best for your baby.

Keeping our air and water clean and safe

How you garden can affect the health of the environment and your family. Find tips on reducing the use of pesticides and promoting healthy soil, which is critical to good water quality.

Disposing properly of hazardous waste is important in protecting human health and the environment. Learn more about the programs that King County has to help rid your home of these materials.

King County is updating land-use regulations to protect environmentally sensitive areas, preserving our local water quality.

One in ten women in the U.S. is exposed to levels of mercury that could harm a developing fetus. Proper handling and disposal of mercury products can help reduce the risk to you and your family.

King County buses are better for the air, thanks to the first hybrid bus fleet in the nation.

Learn more about King County’s role as a clean-air bus leader.

Carpooling to commuting and special events reduces pollution, and King County makes it easier than ever to share the ride.

Properly permitted and functioning septic systems protect water quality for all of us.

In King County, asthma is the second most common reason for children to be admitted to the hospital. One way that asthma can be controlled is by taking steps to improve indoor air quality.

Green Cleaning is using cleaning products that don't endanger you, children or the environment. This is especially important for people who have asthma.

Houses that are built green have healthier indoor air quality, reducing pollutants that can cause asthma in children.

Health news

In Season

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Related links

• Public Health - Seattle & King County
• Health services portal

Did you know

...that children in need can be connected to dental care services in King County through their fifth birthday?