A conversation on suicide awareness and prevention, September 22
As we continue to navigate the pandemic and these unprecedented times, paying special attention to your mental health and the mental health of those you love is crucial. In honor of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, King County employees are invited to join Balanced You for a virtual conversation featuring speakers from the Black / African community, LGBTQ community, Native American community, and others on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1-2:30 p.m. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing suicide and improving mental health. During this 90-minute panel discussion, attendees will learn strategies from… Read More
Schools preparing for a measured return to in-person learning
Crossposted from Public Health Insider King County’s K-12 schools are back in session. For most students, the 2020-2021 school year is starting remotely and Zoom is the new classroom. Even though the majority of the county’s school districts are teaching students remotely, they are also hard at work behind the scenes to be ready to provide in-person learning once COVID-19 transmission rates are lower. At Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), we are supporting schools and communities across the county as they prepare for in-school learning. Two crucial ways we are… Read More
September marks National Recovery Month: How to support friends and family in recovery
Crossposted from Public Health Insider September marks National Recovery Month, a time to acknowledge the gains made by those in recovery who have faced challenges from mental health or substance use disorders. Many of us have faced these challenges ourselves or know a close friend or family member who has. This year poses even more challenges, from COVID-19 to wildfire smoke, that can make us feel even more isolated. For Public Health – Seattle & King County, it is a time to acknowledge the dedication of service providers and community members who make… Read More
My proposals for anti-racism and criminal legal system transformation in upcoming budget
Dear fellow King County employee, Today I announced a package of proposals that transforms the criminal legal system and funds ongoing work to confront racism as a public health crisis. There is increasing acknowledgement of the brutal reality of racism and bias throughout our society, and the imperative to be deliberate and steadfast in our commitment to anti-racism. That is why I joined with Public Health Director Patty Hayes in June to declare that racism is a public health crisis, and that all of King County government is committed to implementing a… Read More
Additional employees needed to volunteer at temporary redeployment at smoke shelter
Due to ongoing smoky conditions in our region, King County and the City of Seattle are extending the operation of the temporary wildfire smoke shelter in Seattle for persons experiencing homelessness through 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and there is an urgent need for employees to fill positions. If you are interested and approved to support this work please follow the steps at the bottom of this email. Please note, if your supervisor is not cc’d on your email, we will not be able to place you in a volunteer position. There is… Read More
Executive Constantine to highlight anti-racism and criminal legal system transformation in upcoming 2021-2022 King County budget
Today at 1:30 p.m., King County Executive Dow Constantine and other County leaders will outline key investments and reinventions in the criminal legal system, as well as funding priorities for anti-racism–pro-equity work that will be included in the 2021-2022 Proposed Budget to be transmitted to the King County Council. WHEN: Today, Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Livestreamed on Executive Constantine’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveConstantine/
Why flu vaccine is more important during COVID-19
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Although we can’t predict exactly what will happen this fall and winter, flu will likely arrive while COVID-19 is still circulating, and that makes it even more important to get a flu vaccination. We asked Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, to explain why. Why is it particularly important to get a flu vaccine this season? Jeff Duchin: The prospect of our annual flu outbreak compounding COVID-19 during this fall and winter’s “respiratory virus” season is worrisome. Hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices are likely… Read More
Mental Health resources for Black and Brown employees
The combined impact of police violence, a pandemic disproportionately affecting People of Color, and centuries of systemic racism place undue stress on Black and Brown communities. Balanced You stands with Black Lives Matter and recognizes the resiliency and strength that lies within the Black and Brown communities. Balanced You also recognizes that, because you and your community are sacred, caring for your well-being is an act of resistance. In the event that you are seeking additional support, we have partnered with the King County Black/African Affinity Group and Dr. Gloria Ngezaho, Workforce Equity… Read More
Guidance for employees working in smoky conditions
Crossposted from Balanced You The past week has been difficult with wildfires threatening our state and plumes of smoke from wildfires in Oregon and California rendering Washington’s air unhealthy. Wildfire smoke in our region will continue today, and will likely begin to dissipate toward the end of the week . Because wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. With our current unhealthy air conditions, it’s recommended that you limit your time outdoors; however, some people need to be outdoors for their… Read More
Employee volunteers needed for temporary redeployment at smoke shelter
King County and the City of Seattle are extending the operation of their wildfire smoke shelter in Seattle for persons experiencing homelessness through the morning of Thursday, Sept. 17 and there is an urgent need for employees to fill positions. If you are interested and approved to support this work please follow the steps at the bottom of this email. Please note, if your supervisor is not cc’d on your email, we will not be able to place you in a volunteer position. There is an immediate need to fill these roles through… Read More
Employee News 