Chelsea Riddick-Most and the King County Clinic: A Decade of Community Healthcare
VIDEO: Chelsea Riddick-Most tells Trae Holiday all about the King County Clinic
Seattle Center holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. From childhood memories of rides and festivals to witnessing up-and-coming artists, it's a hub of community and culture. This year, Seattle Center is once again hosting a vital event that embodies the spirit of community service: the King County Clinic. Chelsea Riddick-Most shared valuable insights into this incredible initiative in a recent interview with TraeAnna Holiday on The Day With Trae.
A Decade of Service: The 10th Anniversary of the King County Clinic
The King County Clinic, celebrating its 10th anniversary, was born out of a desire to address healthcare gaps within the community. Chelsea Riddick-Most explained that Julia Colson, the Executive Director, envisioned the clinic after seeing a report on a traveling medical clinic. What started as a temporary solution has grown into a critical resource, serving nearly 40,000 people and providing over $26 million in services. This isn't just for those experiencing homelessness; it's for working individuals, college students, entrepreneurs, and others who are underinsured or struggling to afford healthcare. As Chelsea noted, "What we thought was going to change seems to be getting worse, and so now, more than ever, there is a need for us to help and to help each other."
Chelsea Riddick-Most's Connection to Seattle Center
Chelsea Riddick-Most, who grew up in Seattle, shared her personal connection to Seattle Center. After living and working in New York for 30 years, she returned home and found a position at the center. "It was probably one of the best experiences, being able to come back home and do what I do," she said. She fondly recalled attending events like the Bite of Seattle and seeing performances by artists like Lizzo and Digable Planets. Now, she’s thrilled to be part of the team that cultivates and curates programming that serves the community in the same way she was served.
What Services Are Available?
Chelsea detailed the range of free services available at the King County Clinic:
Dental Services: From extractions to implants and dentures, state-of-the-art care is available.
Vision Services: Comprehensive eye assessments are provided, along with prescriptions and eyeglasses.
Medical Services: General medical care and assessments are offered, including blood work, to help understand and address health needs.
Who Benefits?
Contrary to assumptions, Chelsea emphasized that the majority of patients are housed individuals who are either uninsured or underinsured. Many face the difficult choice between paying for insurance and covering basic living expenses. The clinic serves a broad spectrum of people, including those on Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring that essential healthcare is accessible to those who need it most. "96% of the patients that came to the clinic were housed," Chelsea said, "but over 60% of those folks were uninsured."
Mark Your Calendars: April 24-27
The King County Clinic is happening from April 24th to April 27th at Seattle Center. Here’s what people need to know, as explained by Chelsea:
Registration: Visit https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic to sign up and get a ticket.
Process: Arrive with the ticket, fill out a simple form (no ID or insurance verification required), and choose the services needed. Medical representatives will assess needs and provide care.
Timeline: People start lining up as early as midnight, and patient services begin around 7 am. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with the number of slots depending on volunteer availability.
First Come, First Serve: As Chelsea stated, “It’s a first come first serve basis. Slots are really based on the number of volunteers that we have available.”
Volunteers Make It Happen
The King County Clinic relies heavily on volunteers. Chelsea mentioned that there’s been an incredible surge in volunteers this year, highlighting the community’s desire to give back. If interested in volunteering, people can sign up at https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic.
A Community Effort
This clinic is more than just medical services; it’s a testament to community compassion and support. It’s a place where people come together to ensure that everyone has access to essential healthcare. As Chelsea said, "It is, it's for everyone. So I hope they'll come out and take advantage of it and be a part of something really, really special."
Don’t Miss Out!If anyone needs dental, vision, or medical care, or if they want to contribute to this vital community initiative, they should head to https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic for more information and to sign up. It’s an opportunity to come together to support each other and fill the healthcare gaps in the community.
