Volunteers prepare to serve thousands for free health clinic at Seattle Center

The Seattle/King County Clinic, now in its 10th year, is set to provide vital health services to over 3,000 people from April 24-27 at Seattle Center. With extensive preparation underway, volunteers like Laurie Watson are essential to organizing dental, medical, and vision care supplies. Julia Colson, the clinic's founder, shared that the initiative began as a community-driven response during the planning of the World's Fair's 50th Anniversary. This year, the clinic anticipates delivering around $2. 5 million in free services to underserved individuals, many of whom are housed but struggling to afford healthcare.

Colson notes the importance of including those who may have limited insurance coverage that doesn’t meet their needs. The clinic will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with tickets distributed at 5:30 a. m. daily, emphasizing accessibility for all. The growing demand for such services reflects a concerning trend of the “missing middle,” where individuals are employed yet unable to afford necessary healthcare.

Volunteers and organizers are united in their mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can access essential health services.