Got unused or expired medications at home? Safe and free disposal is available — and it matters. Proper medication disposal helps prevent accidental poisonings, misuse, and keeps drugs out of our drinking water, lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound. Many local sites accept prescription and over-the-counter meds, pet medications, inhalers, liquids, and medicated creams. Just remember — no sharps, thermometers, or medical waste. You can also use free, prepaid medication mail-back envelopes. Learn more about safe disposal and opioid prevention at MedTakeBackWashington.org, or call 844-4-TAKE-BACK.
There is an ongoing need for blood to help cancer patients, victims of traumatic injuries, and many others who require transfusion support. Donations with Bloodworks NW provide 95% of the lifesaving blood supply to Pacific Northwest hospitals. It takes about an hour to give blood from check-in to post-donation cookie. Appointments are required. See list of donor centers and blood drives at BloodworksNW.org.
Concern for Animals provides services to the community including financial assistance for spay/neuter and veterinary care, a weekly pet food bank and pet food delivery with Meals on Wheels, adoption and rescue, and so much more. The services provided to our community help keep pets safe, healthy, and home. Whether it’s placing a kitten with the perfect forever family, or providing assistance to a pet owner that can't make ends meet, Concern for Animals is dedicated to helping those that cannot help themselves. Find out how you can help at ConcernForAnimals.org.
Every place we walk, drive, or build is part of a watershed — land that collects rainwater and drains it into our streams, lakes, and groundwater. The choices we make, like clearing vegetation or changing natural water flow, directly affect water quality and the health of our local environment. Those impacts add up, shaping the communities and ecosystems we all depend on. By being more aware and making small, thoughtful choices, we can help protect our shared water resources for future generations. Learn more or get answers from Thurston County’s Water Quality Program at 360-867-2626.
If you are a Veteran and need help applying for Veterans benefits, your local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 41 offers free services. Visit them at 3535 Martin Way East, in Olympia or call 360-459-7400.
The Washington State Department of Health suggests you take a break from social media. They say just three hours of social media a day can have a negative impact on your mental health. Remember, anyone can call or text 988 to get support for a mental crisis or other emotional distress.
Does your non-profit group or organization have an upcoming event? Want some help getting the word out? Simply send us the information as far in advance as possible. Include the basics (who, when, what, where, and how). Be sure to include how to get more information. In addition, include a contact person and phone or email (indicate whether these are to be released publicly). You can email your information to krxy at 945roxy.com, FAX it to 360.236.1133, or mail it to 1934 4th Avenue East, Olympia, 98506.
