Executive Constantine proclaims National Payroll Week
King County Executive Dow Constantine is recognizing the dedication and expertise of King County’s payroll professionals by proclaiming Sept. 5 through Sept. 9, 2022 as National Payroll Week. “I encourage all County residents to join me in recognizing hardworking Americans across our nation, and in honoring all payroll professionals for their contributions to our economy and quality of life,” Constantine states. Read the entire proclamation below.
Get a flu shot this fall
With mask mandates lifted in most settings and many people resuming in-person activities, public health experts are predicting flu activity will ramp up this season. It’s especially important for every person to be protected before it starts to spread in our area to give your body time to build immunity. The county makes it free for employees and anyone covered by your healthcare benefits to get a flu shot at one of our onsite clinics, or at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. The Balanced You team is again organizing free onsite… Read More
Megan Pedersen appointed as temporary Special Deputy for King County correctional facilities
Executive Constantine has appointed Megan Pedersen, current Director of the Office of Labor Relations, to serve as a temporary Special Deputy to the Executive, stepping into the role immediately to provide additional support in implementing critical actions and improvements related to staffing, operations, and health and safety in King County correctional facilities. Read more.
When can I get the updated COVID-19 booster?
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider An updated booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine is just around the corner. On Aug. 30, the FDA authorized updated booster vaccines for emergency use, but there are still a few steps left in the approval process. Expert panels will review the applications from Pfizer and Moderna for these new booster vaccines at the end of this week and if they decide to recommend them, the updated Omicron-specific boosters could be available late next week. Read more.
Get caught up on your preventive care
Preventive Care is a term that means routine health care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and tests, to prevent illnesses and health problems. King County health plans have reported that preventive screenings have declined among our employee population. Scheduling your annual well-visit with your Primary Care Provider is the best way to stay on top of your long-term health. As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan—you pay nothing. Learn more about how to get caught up with your preventive care on the Balanced You blog.
Metro planner wins national equity award
Cross-posted from Metro Matters We’ve always known some pretty special people work at King County Metro, and sometimes, the larger world affirms that big time. Such is the case with planner Penny Lara, who just won a national transportation award for diversity, equity and inclusion. Lara received the award from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT), which recognizes and honors outstanding achievements that improve transportation options. “Penny is a dedicated professional who has been a strong and consistent voice for equity and social justice,” said Transit Supervisor Ina Percival, Lara’s manager. “We are… Read More
Labor Day holiday is Monday, Sept. 5
Monday, Sept. 5 is Labor Day, and King County government offices will be closed. All offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6. On Sept. 5, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules. As a reminder, starting this year King County government will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a new annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October or Oct. 10, 2022. This new holiday will provide an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today, and… Read More
Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a reminder for all of us of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis. We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss. When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and profound effect on us. Suicide has warning signs, and I encourage you to take the time to learn them. Seeking support… Read More
Your ID/ORCA card transit benefits and resources for a safer commute
As a King County employee, your employee ID/ORCA card opens up a world of public transit options in our region. If you’re eligible for commute benefits, one tap of your card pays your fare on the following regular services: Whether it’s bus, rail, or boat, find out more about your transit options on the Employee Transportation Program webpage. In addition to these transit options, employees can access a range of options for a safer commute, including: Find out more about programs for a safer commute on our Future of Work Personal Safety… Read More
Get a flu shot this fall
Dear King County Employee, In the past year, with so many people staying home, social distancing, and masking up, we saw relatively little flu circulating in Washington State. Now with mask mandates lifted in most settings and many people resuming in-person activities, we are likely to see flu activity ramp up this season. It’s especially important for every person to be protected before it starts to spread in our area to give your body time to build immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that, with rare exceptions, everyone six months and… Read More
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