Balanced You financial resource for King County employees facing layoff  

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on our economy, resulting in layoffs across many industries and organizations, including local governments. In the event you are facing layoff, or are concerned about potential lay-off, Balanced You has developed the following list of financial wellness resources to support you during this difficult time. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information.   Throughout this pandemic, Balanced You has been inspired by each of you and is grateful to everyone at King County. If you are facing lay-off, please remember these decisions are not a reflection… Read More

Television programming that celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act, July 26 and 27 

The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) is turning 30 on Sunday, July 26, 2020. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government programs’ and services.  In honor of this groundbreaking legislation, King County, the City of Seattle and the Northwest ADA Center have put together a three-hour block of television programming that highlights individual stories about disability, ways to support accessibility, and challenges that remain for individuals with a disability in our community.   Please join us… Read More

Pet of the Week: Bert 

Hi! My name is Bert and I am available for adoption. My personality color is BLUE. I am a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. I may get nervous in new situations, so I am looking for a family who understands that I might need some time to warm up. Once I get to know you, I will be a very devoted friend! I am an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing! I like getting attention on my own terms. I can get overstimulated with petting, so… Read More

Public Health-Seattle & King County receives national recognition for advancing environmental justice

By Sinang Lee, Program Manager Public Health’s Environmental Health Services Division’s Fun to Catch, Toxic to Eat Program for the Duwamish River Superfund site was one of 21 programs across the country to receive this year’s prestigious Model Practice Award by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The award, as determined through a competitive, peer-reviewed process, celebrates local health departments for programs that demonstrate exemplary and replicable best practices in response to a critical local public health need. The program was recognized for building an innovative community participatory… Read More

How to keep your cool when working

It’s finally feeling like summer! A wave of days over 80 degrees, perhaps into the 90s, are in the forecast next week. But things are different this year with COVID-19. Going to a movie theater, a mall, or the library to cool off after work aren’t possible for most of us in King County in this phase of the state’s Safe Start reopening plan. Remember to let safety be your guide. Check with your supervisor or manager for specific information or directions related to your job. Tips from Public Health specific to… Read More

Governor Inslee COVID-19 press conference today at 2:30 p.m. 

Governor Jay Inslee will hold a press conference to provide an update on the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19 today, Thursday, July 23, at 2:30 p.m. The governor will accompanied by Washington Secretary of Health John Wiesman.  You can watch the livestream here at 2:30 p.m. today. 

Celebrating 30 years of the ADA 

This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990 by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. Here at King County we’ve worked to provide everyone equal access to employment, transportation, housing, education, health care, recreation, and community life.  On July 26, 2020, we celebrate thirty years of progress in access and inclusion, and renew our commitment to making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. For more information about the ADA and how can get involved in King County’s efforts to celebrate… Read More

Disability history virtual tour, July 23 

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Diversity Management Operations Center, Disability Programs Directorate, a partner in the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Workforce Recruitment Program, will host a virtual tour of the Smithsonian Institution’s disability history collection on Thursday, July 23 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.   During this celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Smithsonian historian Dr. Katherine Ott will show the National Museum of American History’s disability exhibit.   Register for the event and request accommodations by emailing dodhra.dmoc-dpd@mail.mil. For more information, visit the National Museum of… Read More

Waiting for your COVID-19 test results? Here’s what you can do 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider In the past few weeks, we have heard reports of longer wait times to get COVID-19 tests and delays in receiving test results in some instances.  For most labs, the average time from testing to results being available has typically been one to three days, but recently it has been taking five to six days for tests done in some settings.  Healthcare providers (or testers) then report results to patients. Because these are averages, some people may wait longer than these times. We believe these delays are… Read More

Americans with Disabilities Act 30th Anniversary celebrated by ODEP 

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) posted information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of its signing on July 26, 1990. Featured is a timeline highlighting disability employment legislation enacted since the signing of the ADA and other notable related events from the past 30 years. Also included are suggestions on ways for organizations and individuals to celebrate ADA30.   View the timeline here, and visit the ODEP’s ADA30 webpage.