Support that works: Mental health and recovery resources
Nothing is more important than our health and well-being, and that includes our mental health.
This week is World Suicide Prevention Week, and throughout September we are also recognizing National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. These observances are a reminder that no one should have to face mental health challenges or substance use disorders alone, that help is available, and that healing is possible.
Many of us have lost people or know people who have tragically lost family and friends to suicide. It is important to remember that we can all help prevent suicide by raising awareness, reducing the stigma, and encouraging well-informed actions. Review this guide from Making Life Easier (MLE) to help you learn what to look for and to better support each other. Read more.
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Be 911 Aware – calling for help using modern devices
Crossposted from KCIT
Many people are giving up their traditional landline phone service and moving to cell phones or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service. Be aware that these services works differently than traditional landline 911 service.
If you’re using a cell phone to call 911, only your general location may display at the 911 center. Because of this, it is very important that you know your location and can relay the address, street names, or nearby landmarks. Text-to-911 is a service in King County that can help those who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, and anyone who might be unsafe if they were to be heard by an intruder or abusive partner. While texting to 911 is a vital tool, the general rule is to “call if you can, text if you can’t.” If you do need to text 911 in an emergency, be sure to send the location – including city – and the type of help needed (police, fire, or medical).
VoIP allows you to make and receive calls to and from traditional phone numbers using a broadband internet connection. Some users may not even realize that they no longer have landline phone service, because providers may simply call it “home phone service.” VoIP service is attractive because it may be bundled with internet and TV for one price, and may offer free nationwide calling. However, the callers’ address may not display correctly at the 911 center; VoIP 911 calls can be routed to the wrong 911 center, causing delays while the address is determined and the call is transferred. Also, VoIP phone service requires power; when people need help during winter storms or disasters, their phone may not work to call 911 during a power outage. Finally, read the fine print: some VoIP services cannot call 911, and the caller may receive a “service not available” recording. Before you sign up for VoIP service, understand its 911 capabilities. Learn more here.
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide is a difficult but critical topic, and chances are it has touched your life or someone you know. It affects people of all backgrounds and is currently the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. Recognizing the warning signs is key to prevention. Starting a conversation about suicide won’t encourage it; instead, it opens the door to support and connection. If someone you know is struggling, listen without judgment, offer help, and connect them to professional resources. Your awareness and compassion can truly make a life-saving difference. Learn more.
Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF about the Making Life Easier program to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email.
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KCSO Deputies visit Goddard School In Redmond
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter
Recently, the Goddard School in Redmond reached out with a special request for a visit from King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies. Deputies K. Baker and S. Wickland were more than happy to oblige!
The visit was a hit with students and staff alike, and recently KCSO received a heartfelt thank you letter from the school’s director, expressing their appreciation for the time and care our deputies shared. Moments like these remind us how meaningful it is to connect with young people in our communities and to show them the positive impact of law enforcement beyond the badge.
A big thank you to Deputies Baker and Wickland for representing the Sheriff’s Office with such warmth and professionalism!
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King County Metro represented at Cascade Bicycle Club’s 2025 Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party
King County employees are going the distance, riding their bikes from Seattle to Vancouver B.C. over the course of two days.
The 2025 Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP) took place Aug. 23-24, and was a 195-mile ride with 6,792 feet of elevation gain as riders left from the University of Washington in Seattle and rode all the way to David Lam Park in Vancouver, B.C.
This was a supported ride with snacks and water refill stations provided, but riders needed to bring their own leg power, motivation, and (in order to cross the border) passports.
Three King County employees – Cheryl Mundell, Tyler Jenicek, both with Metro Transit, and Trevor Goodloe, with the Employee Transportation Program, were excited to make the ride and wore specially designed King County Metro cycling jerseys. Those jerseys were universally loved as over the course of two days they met an extraordinary number of other King County employees, both active and retired, from many different departments and divisions, as well as receiving countless kudos, cheers, and compliments from Metro customers along the route.
“We tried to count how many compliments and shout-outs we received on the ride but couldn’t keep track. It seems like every couple of miles somebody had something positive to say,” said Tyler.
“The jerseys gave us an excellent opportunity to interact with other employees as well as the public making the ride that much more enjoyable,” said Cheryl.
Clearly, Cheryl, Tyler, and Trevor had a fantastic time and look forward to expanding King County’s presence at RSVP in 2026! Who wants to ride RSVP with these fun folks next year? Contact Trevor Goodloe at tgoodloe@kingcounty.gov for more information.
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Executive Braddock announces $2.17 million in Re+ grants that will help small businesses and nonprofits reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions
King County Executive Shannon Braddock recently announced a combined $2.17 million in grant funding for 14 projects that will reduce waste and keep valuable resources in the economy and out of the landfill. Each project contributes to Re+, King County’s initiative to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to a sustainable circular economy.
Nearly half of the projects will reduce food waste by collecting unused crops from local farms for culinary training and free meals, reducing waste generated from events, and converting food waste into organic fertilizer for local farmers. Several other projects will make construction more sustainable by converting plastics into 2×4 beams for decking and benches, expanding lumber recovery, and increasing access to a popular tool library.
King County’s Solid Waste Division administers the Re+ Circular Economy Grants. Read more.
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King County Metro asks ‘Where to?’ in rider-centric ad campaign
Crossposted from Metro Matters
A bicycle race. A first date. A polar plunge. Every rider has a different destination, but they’re all taking King County Metro to get there.
Our new advertising campaign, “Where to?”, shares some of the individual aspirations behind the 1.8 million trips that Metro delivers each week.
Metro’s in-house creative and marketing teams captured stunning visuals of riders using transit to traverse our beautiful region by bus, light rail and water taxi. In a nod to the destination signs on buses that might read “Ballard,” “Downtown” or “Skyway,” each rider’s personal destination floats above their heads thanks to special effects. We see them enjoying the journey as well—and connecting and growing along the way. Read more.
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BBQ held at Precinct 3 to celebrate our little chiefs
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter
On Aug. 14, King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) employees gathered to welcome LC Carson and LC Easton into their law enforcement family, and were thrilled to have their families join too! A special barbecue was in order. LC Carson had a special request for ribs, and KCSO staff were more than happy to serve them up. A special shout out to Det. Hoaglan for preparing! As for LC Easton, since he loves to drive, we surprised him with a police car, complete with flashing lights and sirens. It was a big hit!
The day included officers and staff from Black Diamond Police Department, Maple Valley Police Department, Washington State Patrol, KCSO Precinct 3, and KCSO specialty units. We even had a special appearance from Guardian One!
LC Carson and LC Easton were formally sworn in at the “Chief for a Day” event at the Criminal Justice Training Center on Aug. 28.
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National Payroll Week Sept. 1-5
National Payroll Week is Sept. 1–5. It is a time to honor and celebrate the vital work of payroll professionals.
The Department of Human Resources (DHR) Director Jay Osborne says, “I want to take this opportunity to thank our payroll professionals for everything they do for all King County employees. They are always there for King County employees, ensuring we receive our pay accurately and on time for each pay period. Our employees know that they can rely on the payroll team’s expertise and professionalism, and the systems they have developed and manage.”
King County is a large, diverse organization and its payroll has many complexities. When changes occur, the payroll team quickly adjusts and efficiently executes them. When deadlines loom, they are quick to put in the extra effort to ensure the job gets done. “I am proud of our payroll team, and grateful for their skills, knowledge, and commitment to the employees of King County,” says Osborne.
View the official proclamation here, where Executive Shannon Braddock recognizes and thanks payroll professionals for their contributions. King County appreciates the important work they do for King County employees every day.
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Preparing for emergencies in National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month and King County wants to help you stay safe – and keep your family and community safe – in the event of an emergency.
The best time to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency is before it happens. Here are some steps you can take to be more prepared:
- Make a plan workbook: Use the Get Ready King County fillable workbook to start (or continue) your preparedness journey. The step-by-step workbook guides you through the resources and items you need to be ready for an emergency.
- Personal and family readiness: Emergencies can happen anywhere, any time. Make sure you’re ready at home, in your car, or at work or school. Find out how.
Employee News 