Ending the HIV epidemic: King County’s new Heroes Award
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
In February 2019, the U.S. federal government announced the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) – with a goal to decrease new HIV infections in the U.S. by 75% by 2025 and 90% by 2030. The initiative aims to capitalize on scientific advances in HIV diagnosis, treatment, and prevention to accelerate national progress in controlling the now 40-year-old HIV epidemic. The plan directs resources to geographic areas in the U.S. with the largest number of new HIV diagnoses each year. King County is one of the 57 regions funded.
EHE focuses on four “pillars” or strategies: 1) Diagnose, 2) Treat, 3) Prevent, and 4) Respond. King County’s EHE Plan aims to dramatically reduce new HIV infections by expanding access to HIV prevention and care resources to populations that have the hardest time using them. Read more.
Pictured: Swedish Ballard Emergency Department Receives inaugural Ending the HIV Epidemic Heroes Award.
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Metroadeo veteran Tammy Klein reclaims title
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Our operators are the best when it comes to handling large vehicles in tight spaces, but how do you determine the “best of the best?” You hold a “Roadeo!!”
In June, some of King County Metro’s top operators came to Metro’s South Base for our “Metroadeo,” the annual transit Olympics for some of Metro’s most skilled drivers.
Operators maneuver their buses through left and right turns, passenger stops and tight spaces, taking care to adjust speeds and set up just right to perform each maneuver. It’s all scored by judges with a sharp eye and high expectations for precision. Operators also must pass an inspection test where they have to find a variety of operational defects on the bus within eight minutes. Read more.
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King County makes historic investment to tackle Racism as a Public Health Crisis with $25 million in grants to more than 120 small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations
King County Executive Dow Constantine and fellow co-chairs of the Gathering Collaborative, Dr. Ben Danielson and Abigail Echo-Hawk, announced $25 million in grants awarded to 123 nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses to advance the work of addressing racism as a public health crisis in the region.
Since March 2022, King County and the co-chairs have met weekly with the Gathering Collaborative, a group of diverse and trusted community members, to co-create the grant program. The Collaborative is the result of reimagining a different grants process in partnership with Black and Indigenous communities, and to equitably distribute grant funding to advance economic and racial justice in communities. Read more.
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King County Security Tips – Keep Devices and Software Up to Date
You know that little pop-up prompting you to restart your computer for a software update? The one that only seems to come up when you’re in the middle of something important? As annoying as it may seem, this notification is actually a valuable asset to your cybersecurity. So, before you click the “Later” option, let’s take a closer look!
What is a software update?
A software update is a new and improved version of a program, application, or operating system that you are already using. The update may include new features, bug fixes, or important security patches.
Why are updates important for cybersecurity?
Do you ever wonder how secure the programs installed on your device are? Cybercriminals do. They look for cracks in the security of programs and use these vulnerabilities to gain access to your device. With this access, they could enable a keylogger to track what you type, steal confidential information, or even install ransomware to lock you out of your files and demand payment for access. Developers help prevent this by fixing vulnerabilities as soon as possible. These fixes are included in software updates. Meaning, the longer you wait to install the update, the longer your system is at risk.
How do I check for software updates?
Any device that runs software, be it a computer, tablet, or even a smart tv, can release updates. Most software will prompt you when an update is available, but it’s good practice to check periodically. Here is a general guide to checking for updates on common platforms:
Mac System Updates (for macOS Catalina)
- Open the Apple menu and select About this Mac.
- Click Software Updates….
- If any are available, you will have the option to install it.
Windows System Updates (for Windows 10)
- Open the start menu and select Settings.
- Select Update & SecuritySettings then select Windows Update.
- Click Check for Updates. If any are available, you will have the option to install it.
iOS Updates
- Open the Settings app and tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If any are available, you will have the option to install it.
Android Updates (for most devices running Android 10 or higher)
- Open the Settings app and go to the System
- Tap About Phone. (If this is not an option, skip to step 3.)
- Tap System Updates.
- Tap Check for Update. If any are available, you will have the option to install it.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Please consult the user manual or online support for your specific device.
Stop Look Think – before you click.
King County
KCIT ISRC
Cyber Security Awareness Training Program
kcitcsat@kingcounty.gov
KnowBe4.com is an authorized vendor for King County
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Best Starts 2022 Annual Report and Data Dashboard is now live
Crossposted from the Best Starts for Kids blog
In 2022, Best Starts for Kids expanded into new investment areas, responding to community input and need, including funding equitable access to high quality, affordable, and well-compensated child care. Best Starts launched an equity-centered capital program to build, repair, and expand community spaces to better serve communities. Best Starts extended contracts to support continuity of services, offered 34 funding opportunities, and distributed over $110 million to community partners. Best Starts partnered with more than 450 community-based organizations operating more than 500 programs to reach over 264,000 children, young people, families, and community members across King County. Read more.
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A llama-zing story
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office newsletter
On July 15, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Communications Center received a call from a delivery driver stating that he was unable to deliver a package due to a llama standing in the middle of the road and blocking traffic.
Deputy Connor Paczosa responded to the location and sure enough, found said llama in the roadway refusing to move. Using his de-escalation skills and standing just a tad over spitting distance, Deputy Paczosa was able to sweet talk him into putting on a leash to get him off the roadway.
Soon after, KCSO received another call, this time from someone reporting their llama missing. We were happy to reunite the owner back to their furry friend, and the driver was able to deliver the package, most likely ordered through llama-zon.
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Metro and ATU reach tentative agreement for new contract
By Michelle Allison, General Manager, King County Metro
Recently, King County Metro and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587 reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract.
This achievement marks a key milestone in our longstanding partnership and shared commitment to invest in the County’s largest and the country’s finest public transportation workforce.
ATU will be providing members with more details about the contract as they prepare to vote on the agreement. Once ATU members approve the contract, it will move to the King County Council for consideration before being ratified and implemented.
Investing in the growth, development, and wellbeing of our workforce is our highest priority. Together, we provide safe, reliable and equitable public transportation that improves the regional mobility and quality of life in King County.
Thank you for everything you do.
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Employee Engagement for the Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan starts soon
Employees who opted in to Identity-Based Affinity Spaces should have received a calendar invite for their Affinity Space’s first meeting, which are scheduled sometime between July 31 and Aug. 10. Please check your email to ensure you have received this calendar invite.
Effectively engaging King County employees is a key part of refreshing the Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan. Earlier this year, employees opted in to participate in Identity-Based Affinity Spaces, one of the ways the Refresh project will engage with employees. In these meetings, employees will provide information and ideas on how King County can improve its workplace culture, increase equity in workforce practices, and ensure a sense of belonging for all employees. These meetings have been created specifically for this refresh project so employees can gather face-to-face in shared identity spaces and speak openly.
Learn more on the ESJ Strategic Plan Refresh Sharepoint site.
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Bringing a global upbringing to transport local impact: Meet William D. Clark with King County Metro
From the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group
As a Functional Analyst III for King County Metro Transit Facilities Division, William D. Clark (he/him) feels a responsibility to try to positively promote wellbeing and engagement in the workplace. This care expressed itself in his quiet but powerful presence, and his commitment to personal growth, learning, and living fully.
“I would say that my interest in the transportation environment was due to my upbringing. We were always on the move and being accustomed to unrest and unease about staying in one place for a length of time had been a contributing factor to repositioning myself in new environments to develop skills,” he said. Pictured left to right, Will’s partner Lorie, their dog Molly, and Will at Mossy Rock, WA. Read more.
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New program bridges gaps to meet the health and wellness needs of King County’s veterans
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
Many of America’s veterans, servicemembers, and their family members face challenges in accessing healthcare and wellness supports. Often times, challenges arise due to gaps in eligibility for health coverage, difficulties navigating large healthcare systems such as the VA, and the complexities in applying for and receiving disability benefits.
Since 2005, the King County Veterans Program (KCVP), the nation’s strongest local veterans program, has supported King County veterans, servicemembers, and their families through a range of financial assistance, employment and job training supports, housing resources, mental health counseling, and social engagement services. Read more.
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