Meet Wellness Hero Jeff Chan
Balanced You Wellness Heroes highlights employees doing things to better their lives, the lives of their colleagues, and our community.
Meet Wellness Hero Jeff Chan, Engineer II, King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). In this video, Jeff talks about his new role at the county, how his role helps keep residents safe and healthy in their homes, his past experiences working with theme parks, and more! Watch the video below.
Share this:
‘I’ve made a friend for life’ Mentors Moving Metro making a difference
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Karin Peterson is a veteran operator going on three decades of service with Metro. She started driving because, as a single mother, Metro’s flexible schedule and benefits matched her needs for her family.
LaToya Lewis came to Metro in 2024 after a family member suggested it was a good fit since she already had a Commercial Driver License. She graduated from operator training and became one of the growing number of new drivers to join Metro.
Through a program called “Mentors Moving Metro,” they have formed a bond that LaToya says goes beyond being bus drivers. Read more.
Share this:
Presidents’ Day holiday observed Monday, Feb. 17
Monday, Feb. 17 is Presidents’ Day, and King County government offices will be closed. All offices will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 18.
On Feb. 17, Metro Transit buses will operate on weekday schedules.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
Share this:
Seattle Thunderbirds discounted tickets for game, Feb. 22
King County employees can receive discounted tickets to the upcoming Saturday, Feb. 22 Seattle Thunderbirds vs Everett Silvertips men’s junior hockey league game. It starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4:30 p.m., and is at the accesso ShoWare Center, located at 625 W James St, Kent, WA 98032. The discount link requires you to input coupon code “County” to purchase tickets for $24 plus fees, a discount of $10 off a regular priced $34 ticket. This discount only applies to blue seats on the seating chart. To purchase tickets, visit this link.
See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
Share this:
Having a primary care provider is good for your health
Choosing and visiting a primary care provider (PCP) is a great way to support you and your family’s health. Research shows that people who have a relationship with a primary care provider are more likely to receive high-value care, have better access to care, and report a higher satisfaction with their health care. Your PCP is the provider you visit for most medical needs, including preventive screenings, care for chronic conditions, and non-emergency illnesses. Your PCP is the person you speak to about your health questions and concerns, both mental and physical. They will also be the one to refer you to a specialist, if needed. Seeing your PCP regularly may help you avoid more costly care, such as an emergency room visit. A PCP can be a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner and includes a wide variety of specialties like family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and geriatrics.
Read this blog from Balanced You to learn how to select a PCP according to your health plan. Read more.
Share this:
Black Farmers Index boosts visibility of Black farmers with comprehensive online directory
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
Making a living from farming is no easy undertaking. Gaining capital to enter the agricultural sector, accessing infrastructure for growing and producing, and navigating competitive markets are some of many challenges that farmers face. For BIPOC farmers and growers in particular, these challenges are compounded by the added layer of an enduring history of racial and social marginalization.
The Black Farmers Index was created to increase the visibility of Black farmers that lack the exposure to sell or distribute their food. Read more.
Share this:
Celebrating Black History Month
This month, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage and enduring contributions of African American and Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers in our region and beyond.
In honor of Black History Month, the Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice is hosting “The Unspoken Truths,“ a traveling museum curated by Delbert Richardson. All King County employees are invited to visit the powerful exhibit which explores American history, culture, and contributions, fostering reflection, dialogue, and learning.
You can visit the exhibit on the 13th floor of the Chinook Building during the first two weeks of February. Drop-in visits are welcome from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, Feb. 3-14.
Share this:
The Engine That Powers Your Big Backyard: The King County Parks Levy
Crossposted from King County Parks
Meet Marvin! For Parks employee Marvin Johnson, a day spent outside connecting with parks visitors is a good day. Quick with a smile and always happy to chat, he is one of the many people working hard to keep our county parks, trails and natural areas open and available to everyone.
Hear from Marvin, other employees, and partners about how the King County Parks Levy enhances our region’s quality of life in our new video. Read more.
Share this:
King County Metro’s commitment to our immigrant customers
At King County Metro, we occasionally receive questions related to our handling of personal information and whether we coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on immigration-related matters.
Metro, ORCA, Sound Transit, and other ORCA transit agencies do not share customers’ personal information with ICE or the TSA. This includes—but is not limited to—information shared while acquiring or updating an ORCA card, other transit pass or transit fare; and information provided to a fare inspector, transit customer service staff member, transit police officer, transit security officer, or other transit contractor, employee or website. Read more.
Share this:
Annual Giving Drive raises $2.37 million
King County’s Employee Giving Program gives employees access to support the causes and communities that matter most to them. The 2024 Annual Giving Drive, which ran from Oct. 7 through Nov. 22, 2024, was focused on small acts adding up to big impacts and the drive did just that. Employees are able to participate in the drive in numerous ways including monetary donations, donating time, and volunteering their skills. The total amount of dollars given throughout the 2024 drive was $2.37 million, a 3% increase in dollars year over year. There was an 11% increase in donors. We welcomed 875 new connections – since we have started recording this metric, this is the highest we have recorded in a single year. There was a 18% increase in employees using their volunteer benefit or pledging to volunteer and an 11% increase in hours pledged.
“Thousands of employees contributed their time, resources, and skills to help make the 2024 Annual Giving Drive a success,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “I am thankful for the generosity and collective efforts of King County employees and our incredible Employee Giving Program staff, and I’m proud to work alongside all of them.” Read more.
Employee News 