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.
County recognized for procuring, distributing face coverings for community
Crossposted from the DES Express With King County in Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start Plan, and state requirements about face coverings in effect, the county is distributing 5 million cloth face coverings and 20 million disposable face coverings to residents, workers and businesses. Emergency Management procured the face coverings, and the Executive Department is managing the distribution efforts, working with Chambers of Commerce, King County cities, County Councilmembers, community organizations, churches and faith-based organizations, food banks, senior centers, and other key stakeholders. “As a business that benefited from the King… Read More
Former Metro drivers take on new role as King County Health Ambassadors to slow the spread of COVID-19
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Fatigue from months of quarantine and welcome summer weather have spurred an alarming rise in COVID-19 infection rates compared to early Spring, making it more difficult than ever to observe public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19. Taking quick action, King County is launching a new COVID Health Ambassador Program next week to offer community outreach, education and health promotion resources to prevent COVID-19 transmission. The first ambassadors already know King County: they are former METRO bus drivers redeployed to engage and inform neighborhood and community groups… Read More
Firefighters train in Moses Lake
By Clint Herman, Sergeant, ARFF Recently the KCIA Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) firefighters participated in a live fire training scenario at Big Bend College in Moses Lake. This type of training is required by the FAA for ARFF personnel to hone our skills in the event of an actual emergency. Moses Lake is the closest and most realistic training prop available to us in the Pacific Northwest. A training prop is a steel mock-up of an airplane with fuel-ignited fires so we can practice putting them out. Here’s a video to give you… Read More
Providing guidance during an unprecedented pandemic
King County Emergency Management (OEM) is like an orchestra, with a conductor directing the work of many virtuosos. Their work is helping us carefully move forward in Washington’s Safe Start plan, so we can all get back to our favorite tunes. Stand together, six feet apart. Learn more in the video below and visit the OEM website here.
Employee News 