Employee News

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Results from new model show necessity of robust contact tracing and other measures to prevent resurgence in epidemic

Crossposted from Public Health Insider

A comprehensive program of increased testing, isolation of infected people, and contact tracing with quarantine of home and work contacts could prevent growth in the epidemic as King County gradually re-opens, according to a new modeling report by the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM).

The report also found that there was little room to increase public interaction without risk of exceeding the effective reproductive rate of 1.0, a critical threshold for preventing growth in new cases locally. This report finding signals the need for caution in reopening to avoid a return to rapidly growing infections and deaths.

Taking care of mental health during COVID-19

Crossposted from Public Health Insider

COVID-19 has drastically changed our communities, impacting not only physical and financial health, but emotional and mental as well. As we continue to learn more about COVID-19 and adjust our routines, we may notice changes in how we think, feel and relate with ourselves and each other. Now more than ever, staying up to date, making mental health a priority and connecting to supportive resources is key.

Here are a few tips for managing mental health during COVID-19:

Stay informed

Information about COVID-19 is rapidly evolving week by week and while staying up-to-date is important, paying attention to your mental health is as well. News, as well as the disease itself, may cause a variety of emotions including worry, fear and anxiety. Following reliable sources, taking regular breaks from media consumption and scheduling time to unwind can help. Do what you can to stay informed and remember to take care of yourself.

Safety and security reminder

With many King County employees still working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are fewer “eyes and ears” around to notice when something is out of place in one of our buildings. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few safety tips.

Don’t let anyone “tailgate” you into a county building, and make sure doors shut firmly behind you. Also, don’t prop doors open.
Be alert to your surroundings as you walk to and from your car or transit stop, between buildings, or outside on breaks.

Avoid distractions when walking, such as looking down at your phone or wearing headphones.
If you see someone you don’t recognize in your work area and you feel comfortable doing so, you can ask them why they are there or who they are there to see and then guide them in the right direction.

Above all, if you see something, say something. Any time you feel something is unsafe, or you have questions about security in King County buildings, call the Facilities Management Division Security’s Emergency Dispatch Center at 206-296-5000. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Updated teleworking resources

As many in King County continue to telework, KCIT has updated its guidance and resources to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Learn more by visiting the KCIT King County Telework Resources website (SharePoint). For help with a technical issue or problem, contact the KCIT Helpdesk or call 206-263-4357 (3-HELP).

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

New data shows broader social, economic, health impacts of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19

Crossposted from Public Health Insider

Nearly everyone in our community has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It might be from COVID-19 illness, or from local and state efforts to slow its spread. We all are experiencing social distancing, school closures, business closures, or isolation and quarantine.

Public Health – Seattle & King County has created a new set of data tools that show some of the broader impacts in King County – focusing on social, economic, and overall health and well-being.

Key topics include unemployment, housing and food needs, internet access, family violence, depression, and having health insurance.

Asian-Pacific Islander Affinity Group creating meaningful connections with communities during COVID-19

Pictured: The API group recently held an online cooking class on how to make adobo.

At King County, having a community to connect with is crucial, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. With May being Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important for employees to stay connected, and the County’s Employee Resource Groups, or Affinity Groups, provide a unique opportunity for employees to support one another.

The Asian Pacific Islander (API) Affinity Group’s vision is to be “committed to our community to thrive and celebrate our diverse cultures.” With one of their mission statements being “educate non-API communities by promoting and advancing equity and social justice change at the individual, organizational, and community levels,” they started virtual check-ins to connect and provide support to one another during this time, through in-person meetings twice a month.

Pictured: Julia Yen

With so many members participating, Julia Yen, a member of the API Affinity Group and Program Coordinator for Public Health’s Best Start for Kids Program, decided to keep the momentum going by hosting virtual luncheons and “quarantones,” which are fitness activities surrounding yoga or mental health.

“I created virtual luncheons and ‘quarantones’ because people need to have spaces outside of work to connect, share their thoughts, engage in activities, or just have someone to talk to” Julia said.

The group has also organized activities like sharing favorite movies, offering introductory yoga sessions guided by a professional, or talking about what participants are eating for lunch and how they prepared it. Julia likes to collaborate with members on different session ideas, to help people feel relaxed instead of anxious during this time.

“You can do these things, feel empowered, and help those around you,” Julia said.

The Asian Pacific Islander Affinity Group hosts these virtual sessions monthly, availability considered, so many people can attend. The virtual sessions are a space for individuals to connect, engage in activities, learn about the API community, and support one another. Anyone is welcomed and if you are interested in joining the Asian Pacific Islander Affinity Group, email Sung Cho, Co-chair of the group.

For information about the Affinity Groups, including the policy, visit the Equity and Social Justice webpage, download this flyer, or watch this video.

Posted on May 25, 2020 by kingcountyemployees

Substance use and mental health disorder recovery resources during the pandemic

The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation, the theme of King County Mental Health Month’s third week, and a cornerstone of many recovery programs – has changed in the face of social distancing.

Before coronavirus, rooms and facilities in communities across the globe were filled with groups of people offering each other resources, tips, and stories of strength and hope. Now, those groups have been asked to stop meeting in-person, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Fortunately, many recovery groups and facilities have quickly and successfully pivoted to the virtual landscape, while others have maintained or expanded the online or phone-based services they already provided.

Recovery can and does happen, even during a pandemic. Visit the Balanced You blog to learn what online and phone-based resources are available to support you or your loved ones in beginning, returning to, or maintaining recovery.

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

On-demand webinar: A conversation on self-care

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone’s mental health in unique ways. Now, more than ever, self-care and connection are needed.

In recognition of Mental Health Month, Shawna Johnson, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and Heather Steffensen, Interim Employee Assistance Program Manager, led “A Conversation on Self-Care.” This live, interactive webinar covered self-care strategies, techniques and tools to reduce stress and anxiety, and benefits and resources available to support King County employees’ mental health.

This webinar, now available on-demand, can be found on the Balanced You blog.