How to keep kids safe from COVID this summer: A checklist for parents
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Summer is here, and that brings a mix of emotions for parents. Let’s be real, this year has been a dumpster fire of stress and anxiety for parents navigating the pandemic. While some may feel relief, others are facing a whole new set of questions about how to keep their kids safe from COVID-19 in settings like camps or during summer travel. When kids have less structured time, some kids may need to make more of their own health and safety choices. No matter your plans or… Read More
Emergency Management employees save co-worker’s life
Crossposted from the DES Express Sheri Badger, Public Information Officer for Emergency Management, is used to being behind the scenes, responding to media inquiries, writing social media posts and other content, and orchestrating regional gatherings of communicators. But after surviving a cardiac arrest at work, thanks to the quick response of co-workers who performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), she agreed to share her story. Read more.
July is BIPOC Mental Health Month
Established in 2008 in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, the formally recognized National Minority Mental Health Awareness month was created to bring awareness to the unique mental health struggles that underrepresented groups in the U.S. experience. Anyone can experience mental health challenges; they do not discriminate based on race, age, gender, or identity. At the same time, one’s background and identities can present unique experiences, specific barriers, and opportunities to get support. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and underrepresented communities face additional barriers including structural racism, access to quality care, and cultural stigmas. This year… Read More
Paving the way to disability justice: Remembering the Section 504 Sit-ins
By Dorian Esper–Taylor, ADA Disability Specialist, Office of Equity and Social Justice When we think of the life-changing civil rights movements in the U.S., the road to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is often a forgotten struggle. Historically, civil rights movements in the U.S. have begun as radical struggles. Equal rights have been earned and fought for rather than given; disability rights and the pathway to the ADA were no different. One of the early victories was the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the first disability rights law… Read More
Public records request submitted to Washington State Department of Retirement Services
The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) has received a public records request that seeks information about all members of the state’s retirement systems, including all retirees and members, for the period of July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. DRS intends to release information, per the state’s public records act, to the requesting organization, the Seattle Times, on Aug. 15, 2022. Read the DRS notice for details, including a list of the information items that will be released. If you are the subject of this public records request, no action is required… Read More
KING 5 spends the day with DNRP Swim Beach Monitoring Team
KING 5 reporter Erica Zucco spent the day with the Water and Land Resources Division’s team that monitors water quality at 27 lake beaches in King County. Wildlife, people, and pets all contribute to bacteria levels. The story highlights the important service this team provides to keep local beachgoers and swimmers safe. Watch the video.
New approach to increasing access to free vegetarian meals
Cross-posted from Keeping King County Green Nearly one-third of households in Washington reported they were food insecure in 2021, according to the Washington State Food Security Survey. Hunger relief organizations such as NorthWest Share work to address this ongoing issue. Harry Terhanian, founder of NorthWest Share, recently discussed how food trucks serving free meals came about, and the importance of providing free vegetarian meals via food trucks. Read more.
Public advisory committee and reorganization for King County Sheriff’s Office under new plan
Executive Dow Constantine and King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall announced new plans and updates for the vision, structure, and community engagement of the King County Sheriff’s Office, including the creation of a community advisory board. Read more.
WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined)
Are you ready to kickstart your journey to better overall health and wellness? Whether you want to learn about nutrition, ways to improve your sleep, or new workout techniques, WW has you covered. During July, King County employees and your benefits-covered spouses or state-registered domestic partners who register as new WW members receive a $25 WW Shop credit! Visit WW.com/us/Kingcounty to sign up.
How a beaver boom is reshaping floods and fire
Jen Vanderhoof, a senior ecologist with the Water and Land Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, was recently interviewed for a story on beavers. The video was produced by Grist, a non-profit, independent media organization focused on covering climate solutions. The piece highlights how beavers may offer real protection against climate impacts like flooding and wildfires, if people can learn to live with them. Watch the video.
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