Executive hosts conversation on youth mental health with US Surgeon General
King County Executive Dow Constantine yesterday hosted a discussion with United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on the youth mental health crisis and policy resources for youth mental health at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. “One of the challenges that we are facing is the increased mental health burden, the increased challenges, particularly for youth, after three years of this disruption. The impact on children and youth has been pronounced and is on top of challenges youth were already experiencing,” Executive Constantine said during the discussion…. Read More
Rescue training: Ice, ice, baby
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s newsletter Recently, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Marine Rescue Dive Unit (MRDU) participated in a joint training day with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Dive unit. The training was specific to Ice Rescue and Ice Diving operations and took place at Fish Lake in Chelan County. Outside temperatures during the day were in the twenties, water temperature was 34 degrees Fahrenheit and safety was the biggest aspect of this training. Ice thickness was up to 12 inches in places and conditions were very cold. In spite of the frozen training… Read More
Find a primary care provider
Research shows that people with a primary care provider (PCP) enjoy better health outcomes. People who have a relationship with a primary care provider as their usual source of care are more likely to receive high-value care, have better access to care, and report a higher satisfaction with their health care. A PCP who you see regularly is likely to find problems sooner and can be a trusted resource who follows you over time. Seeing your PCP regularly can also help save money and avoid more costly care, such as an emergency… Read More
Safety Tip: Latest security updates
Our top 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. This video covers the latest updates to King County security programs as well as resources and information. Check out the video and view other safety videos on the Future of Work Personal Safety at Work intranet page (employees only). For more information on employee safety programs, visit the Safety at Work page.
Employee Giving Program committee recruiting new members
New members are being recruited for the Employee Giving Program committee. This team works on strategic planning, policy development and recommendations, process improvements, employee engagement, communications and marketing, and project planning and implementation. The committee is looking for members that are passionate about creating opportunities for King County employee engagement, are interested to learn about and strengthen relationships with participating nonprofit agencies, and are lifelong learners wanting to further develop their leadership skills as part of a high performing team. Read more.
February is Heart Health Month
In observance of Heart Health Month, King County and Omada Diabetes Prevention program want to provide you with tips for taking small steps to improving your heart health. There’s no question about it–regular activity really pays off, from lowering your blood sugar and cholesterol to reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Read the Balanced You blog for tips for getting active as well as more information about the Omada Diabetes Management program and Diabetes Prevention program.
On the beat in Burien with Detective Mark Hayden
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s newsletter Detective Mark Hayden has been serving the Burien Police Department and its community for almost 20 years, most recently as the full-time resource officer for downtown Burien. Recently, Undersheriff Jesse Anderson joined Detective Hayden for a stroll through the Burien Farmers Market, where they interacted with community members and business owners. They all expressed their gratitude for the difference Det. Hayden made with his presence on foot patrol.
King County security tips: Keep devices and software up to date
You know that little pop-up prompting you to restart your computer for a software update? The one that only seems to come up when you’re in the middle of something important? As annoying as it may seem, this notification is actually a valuable asset to your cybersecurity. So, before you click the “Later” option, let’s take a closer look. What is a software update?A software update is a new and improved version of a program, application, or operating system that you are already using. The update may include new features, bug fixes,… Read More
Raptor rescued and relocated
Reposted from Plane Talk Thanks to George Pierce, airport operations specialist at King County International Airport (KCIA), and Scott Gilbert, a wildlife biologist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an adult Red-tailed hawk has been relocated safely from the airport to a rural environment. Part of Pierce’s job is to patrol the airport and help keep wildlife away, preventing bird strikes and other safety issues. “We had a resident bird that was encroaching closer and closer into the active airspace,” Pierce said. “This hawk, it’s getting too comfortable out here. I was… Read More
King County International Airport preparing for Major League Baseball All-Star Game
Cross-posted from Plane Talk Planning has begun to accommodate the needs of the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game, to be hosted by the Seattle Mariners on July 11 at T-Mobile Park. Airport leaders and staff, along with representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and fixed base operators (FBOs), met in mid-January to begin a regular series of planning meetings. “We are thrilled to support this showcase of America’s pastime,” said John Parrott, director at King County International Airport – Boeing Field (KCIA). Getting ready… Read More
Employee News 