From the onset of public health services in Seattle and King County, health officials, whether they were inspecting locales or delivering services, disseminated information to people and thus conducted outreach. Over the years the Department and its Divisions have produced newsletters, articles, annual reports, statistical reports, brochures, posters, displays, conferences and other materials and events for the public.

The Seattle Health Department hired its first full-time trained Health Educator in 1945. In 1946, the King County Health Department established its Health Education Division.

Visiting nurses often brought displays to be used as educational tools with them into the homes of families (see picture at left, circa 1950.)

In the early 1960s due to increased public interest and concern with diet, staff nurses were often asked questions about food, special diets, and weight reduction. In 1961, the Department presented eight television shows on "Food and Your Weight" and television appearances called "What Does Nutrition Mean to You." The 1961 Annual Report called the spots the "most effective communications directed to the housewife."

Public Health promoted nutrition and other public health concerns by sponsoring displays at a variety of fairs, exhibitions, and other public events.

Poster used on Seattle buses to promote VD testing, 1947