King County awards COVID-19 relief grants to regional science organizations, arts and culture, and independent live music venues
King County provided $2 million in one-time grants to science, arts and culture organizations, and independent live music venues disrupted by COVID-19 across the region. The program is tailored to organizations that draw tourists and is designed to ease the economic burden of the pandemic while also increasing public health measures. With $2 million of funding backed by the federal CARES Act, King County awarded a total of 62 grants in three categories: Music venues (35 awards) • Arts, culture and science educations organizations (21 awards) • Science organizations (6 awards) The grant funds… Read More
The case of the metal strands – teamwork leads to the source of treatment system damage
Crossposted from Wastewater Treatment Division’s Clean Water Stories When wastewater comes into the Carnation Wastewater Treatment Plant, it first passes through a process that removes larger particles like trash and grit from the water. Next, the water flows through a process that involves tanks containing membranes. These membranes are fine filters (like spaghetti) that only allow water molecules to flow through. When staff at the Carnation Plant began noticing damage to the membranes, they investigated. What they found were metal strands causing the damage. They made a call to our utility’s Unusual Occurrence Program. Read more.
Expanded EBT benefits available for families to feed children who are learning from home
In order to reduce the impact of the pandemic on our community, many school districts have opted for remote learning, meaning many students will be learning from home this year rather than from classroom. While this important decision reduces the risk of families contracting or spreading COVID-19, it also introduces increased financial burden to families that relied on free or reduced-price meals at school and now must adjust their finances to feed their children at home. To lessen this burden, Washington state, in partnership with the federal government, has introduced the temporary… Read More
Hot weather tips during a pandemic
Crossposted from the Public Health Insider Beautiful, warmer weather is in the forecast, but we all know this summer looks and feels different. With safety measures in place for COVID, we won’t be able to head to the air-conditioned comfort of movie theaters, malls, or even libraries. Pools, splash parks, and many beaches are closed. In previous summers, some cities have opened air-conditioned community spaces for the public to cool off. They won’t be able to open them this summer because with COVID circulating, it’s too risky to have groups of people close together… Read More
Executive Constantine submits $87 million emergency COVID-19 budget for drive-through testing in South King County, housing, and childcare
King County Executive Dow Constantine has transmitted an emergency supplemental budget to the King County Council for the fourth time since the COVID-19 outbreak. The $87 million proposal includes funding for new test sites, housing, and arts organizations. The $87 million emergency supplemental budget provides funds for one-time investments to help in the health and economy recovery of King County. Included in the budget is $11 million for at least two drive-through/walk-up testing sites in South and East King County that can provide 500-1,000 tests per day. Public Health – Seattle &… Read More
Ride Away Your Stress, Safely and Affordably!
Crossposted from the Public Health Insider By Emily Devora Hops, UW MPH Student, Violence and Injury Prevention Unit When you are stressed out, what do you do to relax? Did you know that physical activity reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones? In fact, exercise releases brain chemicals that improves mood. During times of high stress, riding a bicycle is a great way to improve your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Biking can help you get to where you need to go and be a rejuvenating social activity to do with family, friends or alone. Within King County,… Read More
Bridging the Gap Between Community and Systems
Crossposted from the Zero Youth Detention blog Willard Jimerson, Jr. grew up in Seattle’s historically African American Central District neighborhood. Raised by a loving grandmother and grandfather, young Will could never have predicted that just six weeks after his 13th birthday he’d become a ward of the state and spend the rest of his childhood in America’s adult prison system. One fatal and catastrophic moment on a late night in 1994 changed everything. The kid who once fancied himself a charming and mischievous prankster, who loved playing arcade games and pick-up football, was gone. … Read More
Tips and resources for employees living alone during the pandemic
Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for people who live alone. While those living alone do not have to navigate boundaries with housemates, they may be faced with more difficulty finding social connection. Social connection is an integral part of mental and emotional well-being, and social isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. To support employees living alone, Balanced You has developed the following list of tips and resources for you to consider during these uncertain times. Visit Balanced You’s blog for more information.
What to Expect Staying at a King County Isolation and Quarantine Center
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County continues to offer community members a safe place to isolate, quarantine and recover from COVID-19. A new video shows what guests can expect. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and are awaiting a test result or tested positive for COVID-19 and need a comfortable place to stay, King County’s isolation and quarantine centers are here for you. Having a safe place to isolate or quarantine away from vulnerable family members, group settings or if you don’t have a home, is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and… Read More
RASKC shares new video highlighting services
Ever wonder how Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) helps both people and pets? These services will make you feel proud to be part of the community! Learn more at the Tails from RASKC blog or visit the RASKC website at www.kingcounty.gov/pets.
Employee News 