Thurston County is celebrating National Wellness Month and National Recovery Month this August, encouraging county residents to take steps towards prioritizing their health and supporting others in doing the same.
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners read a joint proclamation for the two national observances ahead of its Tuesday, Aug. 18 meeting.
National Wellness Month raises “awareness about the importance of the wellbeing of Thurston County residents” and celebrates the organizations contributing to a healthy community, Commissioner Wayne Fournier read from the proclamation on Tuesday.
National Recovery Month, the proclamation reads, serves as an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of those recovering from mental health and substance use conditions, and shares appreciation for organizations supporting Thurston County residents in that recovery work.
Among the organizations recognized for their work to promote wellness and recovery in Thurston County was Intercity Transit, which provided roughly 4.3 million rides within Thurston County in 2025.
“We've known for quite some time that public transit plays an important role in the health and well-being of our community by providing transportation to jobs, schools, and community activities, reducing congestion on local roads by allowing more modes travel, helping seniors and people with disabilities remain independent, providing both commuter and lifeline services to community members,” said Intercity Transit General Manager Emly Bergkamp.
Intercity Transit shifted to a fare-free model in 2020 after learning that only 2% of its operating revenue came from passenger fares.
“This change is removing barriers to mobility in our community,” Bergkamp said, citing testimony from riders in a variety of situations, from having their car break down to being disabled and on limited income, who said the free buses have made a positive impact on their lives by allowing them independence and increased mobility.
The Thurston County Food Bank was also recognized Tuesday for its service to Thurston County residents, which aims to end hunger in the region “in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.”
The Thurston County community has truly embodied the second half of that mission statement, said Thurston County Food Bank Executive Director John Ficker.
“We've really created a meaningful community amongst those that come on a regular basis to either fill boxes in our warehouse or distribute food directly out of our pantries, and we see it really as a way of not only giving back to the community and getting that heart, but also a way to combat directly isolation and loneliness,” Ficker said.
Roughly one in eight people in the Thurston County area are dealing with some level of food insecurity, Ficker said, noting that the Thurston County Food Bank has seen demand grow within the last year.
“We know that hunger interrupts opportunity, and anything we can do to reduce hunger creates new opportunity and possibility for people,” Ficker said.
As part of its ongoing effort to promote community wellness, Thurston County held its third annual Resource Hub Block Party on Wednesday, Aug. 19, bringing dozens of resource providers to one venue.
Last year’s Resource Hub Block Party connected approximately 175 direct service providers to over 400 community members, not including animals, according to Thurston County.
Data from last year’s event show that 58 children were seen, 134 vaccines were administered; 66 Community Health Assessments were completed; 10 gun lock boxes and one cable lock were distributed; roughly 100 community members engaged with the county’s Environmental Health Table; and roughly 150 community members engaged with the county’s Harm Reduction Table.
While the Block Party is the Resource Hub’s largest public event, the Resource Hub offers services year-round to those with behavioral health needs who have been impacted by the justice system.
Community partners, such as Intercity Transit, the Timberland Regional Library, Community Youth Services, and more have personnel at the Resource Hub on a rotating basis throughout the week.
For a full schedule, visit https://tinyurl.com/4xnzxysf
