Video: As COVID-19 cases spike, an update from Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin
Crossposted from Public Health Insider In recent days, King County has seen the highest COVID-19 case counts we’ve experienced to date. In light of these increases, we’re sharing Dr. Jeff Duchin’s November 6th, 2020, press briefing where he discusses the rising numbers and what we need to do to turn around this outbreak. View the update below.
Pet of the Week: Tinsy
Hi, I’m Tinsy, and I am looking for my forever home! I am an affectionate, talkative and independent lady! I like getting attention on my own terms. I can get overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. My personality color is RED. I am a spirited cat with a fun-loving personality! I may be sensitive to handling, so I would do best in a home with a cat savvy family who knows when to give me some space. … Read More
Additional Mental Health First Aid@Work Trainings added
More than 20 million Americans experience a mental health challenge in any given year. In a world that sometimes makes it feel impossible to ask for help, it’s up to all of us as people leaders and co-workers to know when to help, what resources are available, and how to offer support. Mental Health First Aid@Work Trainings will teach you how to recognize the signs and symptoms of different mental health challenges and conditions and connect someone to resources at work or in the community. Trainings have been scheduled through the end of the… Read More
Training Spotlight for November 12
Building Gender Inclusive Spaces – Online – In this two-hour workshop, participants will learn foundational knowledge of gender and sexuality and best practices to support a gender diverse workforce, with a focus on the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ identities. Participants will have the opportunity to move through real-life scenarios, apply their understanding of pronoun use, and develop strategies to advance gender equity at King County. This training is free and takes place on Monday, Nov. 16, from 1-3 p.m. Register here. Seattle College Winter offerings will be posted by the end of next week. Please visit our King… Read More
New tool available to help employees choose medical plan during Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is King County employee’s annual opportunity to evaluate employee benefit options and make changes for the upcoming year. The 2020 Open Enrollment period is currently open until November 15. Employees who are considering choosing a new medical plan may be interested in the Washington Health Alliance’s 2020 Quality Composite Scores for Medical Groups and Clinics. This tool measures health care quality across the state of Washington using four domains (measures): Prevention and Screening Care for Chronic Diseases Coordinated, Cost-Effective Care Appropriate, Cost-Effective Care For more information on this ranking tool, and how… Read More
King County Elections and Department of Community and Human Services Election Day partnership
On Nov. 3, King County Elections conducted the largest Presidential election in its history, amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic. As can be imagined, Election employees had been preparing for this day for months. Elections formed a great partnership with the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Health Ambassadors in the COVID-19 Emergency Services Group. The Health Ambassadors program was developed to play a critical role in King County’s ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and preserve hospital capacity. The Ambassadors, who perform outreach duties by passing out… Read More
Supporting mental health and well-being through the 2020 Annual Giving Drive
This week, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports mental health and well-being. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (1508) – Exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education and to reaching out to people with mood disorders. Kitsap Mental Health Services (0907) – Kitsap Mental Health Services provides recovery-based behavioral healthcare for people of all ages. Services are each designed to best support an individual’s recovery. Mental Health American, formerly National Mental Health Association (4035) – The nation’s leading community-based non-profit dedicated to helping… Read More
King County honored with workplace mental health award
I am proud to announce that King County has been awarded the 2020 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health at the Platinum, highest, level by Mental Health America (MHA). The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is a first-of-its-kind workplace mental health certification that recognizes employers who strive to improve employee mental health and create a psychologically safe workplace for all employees. It recognizes the comprehensiveness of our mental health approach at a time when we are expecting higher mental and behavioral health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing racial injustice,… Read More
Thanking our local veterans for their service
Dear fellow King County employee, For more than 100 years, our nation has dedicated November 11 as the day to recognize the brave members of our country’s armed forces past and present. They placed their own lives at risk to defend freedom here at home and around the world. Veterans Day is our opportunity to honor and thank them for their service. As we acknowledge the 115,000 veterans of all ages who call King County home, let us also recognize the 1,314 individuals we work beside every day – the King County… Read More
King County to observe Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. If you have any questions about your schedule for Nov. 11, please talk to your supervisor. Veterans Day is our opportunity to thank our veterans for their service to our nation, and the contributions that they continue to bring to our communities. Services will return to normal on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Employee News 