It’s one of Metro’s favorite times of the year — Pride Month!
Cross-posted from Metro Matters Pride Month is a celebration of who you are, who you love, and being able to show up as your authentic self. King County Metro celebrates our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and Two-Spirit family, friends, and colleagues. Metro celebrates their courage and commitment in advancing civil rights and equity. We celebrate with bright colors and joy, recognizing these communities have long been forcibly erased from history and pressured to hide in society. Read more.
King County commemorates National Gun Violence Awareness Day, June 2
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider In honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day this Friday, June 2, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Gun Violence program is partnering with community organizations to host gun lockbox giveaway events throughout the county and promote Wear Orange Weekend. The shared goal is to promote gun safety and raise awareness of community organizations working to address gun violence in the region. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the US. Over the past three years, we have seen an uptick in the… Read More
Juneteenth an observed County holiday on Monday, June 19
King County government will observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday and most King County offices be closed on Monday, June 19. King County officially began observing Juneteenth (June 19) as a paid holiday in 2022 for King County employees who are eligible for comprehensive leave benefits. Due to the nature of county work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. The establishment of Juneteenth as a holiday – in addition to Indigenous Peoples’ Day (second Monday in October) – reflects our… Read More
Join the King County Ragnar Northwest Passage Relay Team
Following the success with a King County team in the annual Ragnar Northwest Passage Relay from Blaine to Langley, the team wants to gauge interest in adding a second King County team of runners this year. The race is July 14-15; a team is 12 runners in two vans, each taking on three legs. There is still time to register another team by the June 9 deadline. If you’re interested joining, email Seth Watson.
Facilities Management Division’s real estate professionals find “needle in a haystack” for Health Through Housing
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express The county’s newest Health Through Housing property is likely to be ready to house queer, transgender, Two-spirit, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QT2BIPOC) residents this fall. Securing the Capitol Hill property took more than a year of behind the scenes work and negotiation by the Department of Executive Services’ Facilities Management Division’s Real Estate Services (RES) section. To date, RES has found and bought 11 properties for the County’s Health Through Housing Program. Read more.
King County breaks ground on a state-of-the-art recycling station
King County broke ground on a state-of-the-art station in South King County that will offer enhanced waste disposal and recycling services, contributing to the Re+ initiative that will cut greenhouse gas emissions by reinventing the region’s waste system. The new South County Recycling and Transfer Station in Algona – south of Auburn – will make it safer and easier to recycle appliances, glass, metals, plastics, wood, and paper, compost yard waste, and dispose hazardous materials. The green design includes a solar array that will provide nearly half of the energy needed to operate the… Read More
Executive proclaims May 2023 as Older Americans Month
Cross-posted from Cultivating Connections In recognition of the contributions of older residents in our local communities, King County Excecutive Dow Constantine has proclaimed May 2023 as Older Americans Month. Executive Constantine encourages all residents to honor the important contributions that older adults of every race, class, and ethnic background make to the progress of our County and nation. Learn more and read the full proclamation here.
Third anniversary of Con Confianza y En Comunidad
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider Con Confianza was envisioned as a community-led space where community members, community leaders and organizations could receive direct and accurate information about the COVID-19 virus. Since misinformation was directed at Latinos, Con Confianza y En Comunidad was the place to receive the latest data on the virus and resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and communication and technical support from the County. Read more about this effort and watch the video.
Mental health resources for children and teens
While we work to ensure that King County employees have the resources they need to take care of their mental health, it is important to note that 50% of all mental health conditions begin before age 14 and 75% before age 24. Current reports indicate that the rates of anxiety and depression among children and teens are increasing. If you find that your child needs mental health care, Washington state has a free resource to connect families with mental health providers for children and teens 17 or younger. The referral service helps families… Read More
King County proclaims May Treatment Court Month. Here’s what that means for participants
From the King County Superior Courts The King County Council and the King County Executive have proclaimed May Treatment Court Month. This proclamation recognizes and celebrates the success of program participants. It also affirms the important role courts play in addressing problems at the intersection of public safety and public health. For three decades, King County’s treatment courts have helped people whose legal system involvement stems from substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders to transform their lives. Read more.
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