When staying home isn’t safe: Domestic violence in King County during a pandemic
Crossposted from Public Health Insider The Governor’s Stay Home Order, business closures and other strategies helped slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the social isolation and stress resulting from these efforts, combined with less access to external supports, may be increasing the occurrence of family violence. Using data from emergency department visits, the legal system and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Public Health – Seattle & King County released a new report comparing 2020 domestic violence patterns to the prior year. Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, people continue to seek out domestic violence… Read More
Reminder: 2020 Halloween tips from Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Holidays are going to be different this year, no question about it. But we all need to have some festivity, especially in the midst of the all we’ve had to deal with this year. Halloween has some good celebration options since many activities can be outside and mask wearing is part of the holiday, but there are still some risks with COVID circulating. Public Health has tips to prevent illness, help our community stay on track for reopening, and still retain some of the spooky and sweet flavor… Read More
Extension of mandatory telecommuting through July 5, 2021
Dear fellow King County employee, This has been a challenging year. We’ve had to radically change many aspects of our lives. The way we work has shifted dramatically for all of us, whether you are working onsite and remotely. First responders and employees delivering in-person services continue to do extraordinary work, adjusting to new safety measures and protocols. Teleworkers have adapted to new technology and changes in the way services are offered. Employees with school-aged children are juggling multiple roles, while the demands of work remain. I thank you for your efforts…. Read More
COVID-19 frontline charities
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving You asked for it, and we created it. A highly requested list for this years Employee Giving Program was non-profits who are actively serving those affected by COVID-19. This above link to the comprehensive list is the result of a collaborative, cross-departmental effort to uplift EGP nonprofits that are working with communities who have been particularly impacted by COVID-19/are “on the frontlines.” This workgroup is centered on mutual support of each other as Ambassadors and of the community. The group has taken a broad, inclusive approach to identify the… Read More
Navigating the coronavirus pandemic with a disability
Every October, King County recognizes Disability Awareness Month. On Oct. 13, the County Council officially proclaimed October as Disability Awareness Month, and this past July, King County also marked the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990. These efforts celebrate the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community and workforce here at King County. This year, due to COVID-19, the Disability Awareness Month Committee has been developing a conversation about how people with disabilities are being impacted by the pandemic. The Committee created an interactive multimedia article, “Navigating… Read More
Join us for a conversation on the impacts of the pandemic while living with a disability
There are many different types of disabilities: physical and mental, invisible and visible, temporary and permanent. The pandemic has had a unique impact on the lives of people with all types of disabilities, bringing joy, relief, and difficulty. Join the Disability Awareness Committee, Balanced You, and the Employee Assistance Program in a live, virtual conversation on the impacts of the pandemic while livin with a disability. This conversation will feature employees with disabilities who will share their experiences and stories of living and adapting through 2020, alongside employees from Disability Services who will share… Read More
COVID-19 cases are rising in King County – What does that mean for schools?
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise again in King County, after two months of decline. As we move into the school year and into fall, a time when COVID-19 spreads more readily, it’s time to renew our commitment to fighting the spread of the virus in our community, for everyone’s sake. It’s more important than ever to mask up, stay distant and limit your contacts with people outside your household. We’ve driven the case count down before, and we can do it again. While daily case numbers fluctuate, public… Read More
Reducing coronavirus risk as we spend more time indoors for fall and winter
Crossposted from Public Health Insider As the season changes, cooler temperatures mean more time indoors. The risk from COVID-19 increases with indoor gatherings compared to outdoors, but there are ways to reduce the spread and stay healthy. We talked to Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin about COVID-19 risks indoors and what to do about it. Dr. Duchin, you’ve said “outdoors is safer than indoors.” Why is that? Socializing outdoors is less risky than indoors for two main reasons: First, natural outdoor airflow rapidly dilutes viruses floating in the air. Second, sunlight kills viruses. But, as we… Read More
Sign up now for October Mental Health First Aid@Work Trainings
Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being that can often be misunderstood or overlooked. To increase awareness about mental health and highlight supportive resources, Balanced You has partnered with the National Council of Behavioral Health to offer Mental Health First Aid@Work trainings. These trainings are available to all County employees, free-of-charge. As we transition our county’s pandemic response into the autumn and prepare for the mental health crisis that experts warn is ahead, Balanced You urges employees to consider participating in the Mental Health First Aid@Work training so we can all better… Read More
Roll down your window, roll up your sleeve: Free drive-thru vaccination clinics and more vaccination opportunities
Crossposted from Public Health Insider There’s never been a more important time to make sure you and the people you love are protected from disease. Especially as flu season approaches, keeping up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways you can stay safe, healthy, and far from the hospital during the COVID pandemic. And now you can get vaccinated without having to step out of your car! Drive-thru vaccination options The Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) is hosting a series of drive-thru flu clinics for community members ages 4+ on various dates… Read More
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