Don’t count us out campaign
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider The shame and stigma of living with substance use disorder (SUD) have prevented many people from getting the help and support they need. To help reduce the stigma around those experiencing SUD, including alcohol use disorder, Public Health—Seattle & King County and the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) collaborated to launch a new health education campaign. Read more.
Disability Awareness Month: Mental Health Resources
October is Disability Awareness Month. Disability includes a broad spectrum of conditions that effect physical and mental health. If you are someone who lives with a mental health diagnosis and would like additional support, there are benefits and resources available to you. On the Balanced You blog, we are highlighting mental health accommodations, mental health support through your medical plan, and an opportunity for social connection. Read more.
Accessibility for All – Web Content Guidelines
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and KCIT is taking a behind-the-scenes look at how our technology experts are improving accessibility for King County employees and residents. Roughly one in four Americans live with a disability; not just visual, but auditory, mobility, and cognitive issues. That means at least 500,000 people in King County alone need accessible technology to interact with King County information and services. KCIT’s Software Quality Assurance team requires every public-facing application and website follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, these guidelines ensure all King County websites and apps are… Read More
Sign up for ballot alerts
King County Elections recently launched ballot alerts, text and email notifications that alert you when your ballot hits a new milestone in the process. From mailed to counted, ballot alerts are the easiest way to know if your vote was counted. You will also get an alert if there is any issue with your signature so you can get it fixed and make your voice heard. Sign up for ballot alerts here, and for more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
Keeping courtrooms free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression
Cross-posted from King County Superior Court Judges across Washington are expressly prohibited from discriminating against someone because of their gender identity and gender expression, thanks to a rule change that went into effect Sept. 1. King County Superior Court Commissioner Jonathon Lack proposed the amendment to the Code of Judicial Conduct, which governs the behavior of judges in Washington. Read more.
Safety video: See something, say something
Our first priority is your safety and security at work, and we are continuing to partner with law enforcement, community, and other governments to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment in and around our facilities. A number of actions and programs have already been implemented, including regular patrols by Sheriff’s deputies and Facilities Management Division (FMD) security officers, increasing the number of security personnel onsite, and daily trash and general clean-up on weekdays. The county is also producing a series of safety videos with tips for staying safe and other related information. Check… Read More
King County Affinity Group celebrates National LGBTQ+ History Month by highlighting author Dr. Darcie Little Badger
This week, for National LGBTQ+ History Month, the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group wants to celebrate Dr. Darcie Little Badger. Indigenous futurist Little Badger identifies as a queer, asexual Apache woman, and her book Elatsoe features an asexual Apache teen protagonist. Learn more about Little Badger and other LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history by visiting this calendar celebrating LGBTQ+ History. If you are interested in getting connected to the LGBTQ+ community at King County, consider reaching out to the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at LGBTQ@kingcounty.gov. Learn more about King County Affinity groups at www.kingcounty.gov/AffinityGroups.
Volunteer to close a ballot drop box
The General election is just around the corner and King County Elections is looking for volunteers to help close ballot drop boxes on election night, Nov. 8. Under state law, ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day. As a volunteer drop box closer, you will be paired with Elections staff to close a drop box, provide customer service, and hand out I Voted stickers. No experience is necessary! Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8 and Elections is looking for volunteers from about 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sign up and join… Read More
DNRP archeologist helps repatriate historic flintlock rifle to Muckleshoot Tribe
Cross-posted from Keeping King County Green A unique piece of 19th century Native American history purchased at a garage sale half a century ago has been returned to its rightful owners, thanks to work by the King County Historic Preservation Program. Lane Corry, a Preston resident who long ago bought the rusted old rifle at a garage sale, recently contacted Historic Preservation Program archaeologist Phil LeTourneau because Lane wasn’t sure what to do with the artifact. Read more.
Metro GM Terry White welcomes North America’s transit leaders to Seattle
Cross-posted from Metro Matters From Oct. 9 to 12, King County Metro hosted transit leaders from across North America for TRANSform, the annual conference of the American Public Transportation Association. A record-breaking number of people — more than 3,100 — attended the four-day event. In addition to meetings and speeches, guests toured Metro’s battery-electric test charging station, our bus and light rail connections in the U District, the King County Water Taxi, bus stop murals in the Central District celebrating Black history and our innovative on-demand service in south King County. Read more and watch… Read More
Employee News 