May is Mental Health Month: Back to Basics
Mental Health Month is celebrated in May of each year. Due to the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the national conversation around mental health is normalizing.
This year, Mental Health America has focused Mental Health Month on “Back to Basics,” helping re-center us on what mental health is, how we can support our mental health, and what resources are available to help. Learn more here.
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Anita Khandelwal reappointed to lead Department of Public Defense
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the reappointment of Anita Khandelwal to continue serving as director of Department of Public Defense, a critical position to ensure equity and justice in the criminal legal system.
The department provides legal defense to any person charged with a crime or facing a loss of liberty who cannot afford an attorney, representing more than 15,000 individuals last year. Read the announcement here.
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Executive Constantine appoints Patti Cole-Tindall as King County Sheriff
Following a nationwide search and thorough interview and public engagement process, Executive Constantine announced today his appointment of Patti Cole-Tindall to serve as King County Sheriff.
Cole-Tindall has a background in law enforcement, labor relations, human resources as well as service to the community. She joined the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) in October 2015, serving as the Chief of Technical Services Division for almost five years before being appointed to Undersheriff in 2020. She was appointed Interim Sheriff in November 2021 and began serving in her new role in January. Read the full announcement here.
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Level up: King County International Airport moves toward next step in Airport Carbon Accreditation Program
Climate change caused by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions will have long-term consequences for the environment, the economy, and public health and safety. To do its part to reduce the threat, King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.
After achieving Level 1 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program (ACAP) in 2021, the airport is now on track toward Level 2, demonstrating actual reductions of harmful greenhouse gases emitted in airport operations. Read the story here.
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King County releases Reimagining Public Safety report and pilot program recommendations
A new report released shares findings from the Reimagining Public Safety Survey that launched last fall, including pilot program recommendations and future community engagement strategies.
King County is sharing the community-driven recommendations from a report on reimagining public safety in urban Unincorporated King County with the results of the Reimagining Public Safety Survey. Read the full announcement here.
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Executive Constantine proclaimes May as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In recognition of the contributions, leadership, and their historic significance to King County and the nation, Executive Dow Constatine proclaims May 2022 as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Read the full proclamation below.
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Celebrating you during Public Service Recognition Week
This week we celebrate your work and the work of every public servant during Public Service Recognition Week, May 1 – 7, 2022.
We all come to public service from different places, bringing with us our unique perspectives, experiences, and skills. The work we do varies tremendously, but we are united by a desire to serve our community and make things better for the people who live here today, and for those who will follow.
This has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic. When our region was the first in the country to experience a COVID-19 outbreak, we showed what we can achieve when we listen to experts, base decisions on science, and unite our efforts to achieve a shared goal. We adjusted the way we delivered services – in-person and remotely – to ensure that people could access the support they needed while slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Together, we saved thousands of lives because collectively, were willing to do the simple, sensible things to protect ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and folks we didn’t even know. Because we cared about more than ourselves and worked together. That’s the power of public service.
And the pandemic hasn’t stopped us from doing the work we all came to King County to do. We’ve continued to deliver on our priorities for the people of this region and we will keep on delivering.
Thank you for everything that you do for the people of King County. I am proud to lead this County and proud to be your colleague in public service.
Sincerely,
Dow Constantine, King County Executive
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Forty-five-year sentence for gunman who injured Metro employee Eric Stark
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
On April 22, a judge handed down a 45-year prison sentence to the gunman who killed two people and shot and injured two others, including Metro employee Eric Stark when he was driving a bus in Lake City.
Despite his gunshot wound, Eric backed his bus out of the area safely to protect the passengers onboard. Eric’s bravery and heroic actions saved the lives of his riders. Read more here.
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Administrative Professionals receive special recognition
The Administrative Professionals Recognition Day event held on Wednesday, April 27 was a huge success, celebrating these essential contributors who are Simply the Best at keeping King County running smoothly and efficiently on many levels.
View the full celebration on the AP Stream Channel and take the opportunity to recognize an administrative professional here. For more information about the Administrative Professionals Program, visit www.kingcounty.gov/administrativeprofessionals.
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What does Medium COVID-19 level mean for you? Latest data and steps to take with cases rising
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
Based on Public Health’s latest data from Monday, April 25, our rate of cases now puts King County into the Medium COVID-19 Community Level as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): over 200 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period.
To decrease risk over time, it’s critical to continue to focus on sustainable, long-term strategies. Click here to read more of this post and watch a video on how to reduce risk.
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