Administration Building to close in early 2021 

King County will close the aging Administration Building to most operations in early 2021, with employees relocating to King Street Center and the Chinook Building when it is safe for them to return to work.  Executive Constantine will propose decommissioning the Administration Building – which requires significant maintenance and replacement of aging systems – in his 2021-2022 budget address. Existing customer-facing services previously provided at the Administration Building will be co-located at King Street Center.  The Administration Building closure is part of a comprehensive effort to re-envision how King County can best… Read More

New discount for T-Mobile 

Employees of King County now have access to a new discount through T-Mobile. For a limited time, eligible customers who are switching to T-Mobile can save up to $200 (via 20 monthly bill credits) when you activate a new account on Magenta Plus. Call 855-570-9947 to speak to one of our experts, visit us online here, or visit a retail store near you. Restrictions apply. Additionally, from Sept. 1-30, 2020, join and get $150 after rebate via Virtual Prepaid Card with each new line. Get premium features like Netflix, international texting and data, and free… Read More

Executive Constantine convenes regional thought leaders for ‘12 Arguments for Change’, a series of live, virtual panels envisioning an equitable post-pandemic King County 

King County is hosting three live virtual panels with local community leaders, equity experts and small business owners as part of a conversation series called “12 Arguments for Change.” Beginning on Thursday, September 10 and continuing on September 15 and 17, King County Executive Dow Constantine will moderate these panel discussions to identify how we create a sustainable, equitable recovery for King County into 2021 and beyond.  Each panel will have a unique set of speakers with backgrounds ranging from healthcare to community-based nonprofits, small business owners, racial and social justice activists, educators, and… Read More

Tune in for the Executive Award for Community Resilience, September 11 

On Friday, Sept. 11, King County Executive Constantine will present his 10th Executive Award for Community Resilience. The award is given each fall in recognition of outstanding efforts made by organizations to prepare for and respond to emergencies. As King County deals with two pandemics, COVID-19 and racial injustice, organizations across the region are stepping up. This award honors those who have done extraordinary things in the arena of preparedness and response, to make sure their community can weather any storm.   View the award ceremony live tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. to watch… Read More

What happens when you get a COVID-19 test? 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Maybe it’s happened to you: you wake up one morning with a new cough and a slight fever, and you’re not sure what to do. You’re worried it might be COVID, so what are your next steps? Getting tested is one of the best ways to protect your family, friends, and community, but if you’ve never been tested before, you might be a little nervous. We reveal what really happens when you get a COVID test in this short video, below. For more information on testing, including where to… Read More

Reduce your risk for flu, find vaccines near you: Flu shot options for telecommuting employees 

Every fall, King County’s Balanced You team encourages employees to get their flu shot and this fall, flu shots are more important than ever. To encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommuting employees are being asked to get their flu shots from their healthcare providers or pharmacists, instead of coming into the workplace. Visit this Balanced You blogpost for information telecommuting employees need to know about flu shots this fall, including how to access them near you. 

Getting a flu shot is essential and so are you: Worksite flu shot clinic options for onsite employees 

Each year, King County’s Balanced You provides onsite flu shots for employees. Providing programs to support your health and well-being is one way we’re Investing in YOU.  Visit this Balanced You blog post to learn how we’re modifying the flu shot clinic program to serve those most impacted during the pandemic. 

Get a flu shot this fall

Dear King County Employee, Since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States was recognized in King County just over 6 months ago, I have deeply appreciated the care and commitment to public service I see demonstrated every day by my fellow employees. Our response to the pandemic has been a tremendous effort, where the entire workforce has rallied during a public health emergency to take personal actions to stop the spread of the disease, while at the same time working hard to safely continue delivering critical services to our region…. Read More

Training Spotlight: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Basics OnDemand 

The economic recession, racial injustice and the global pandemic are all having a profound impact on the mental health of children. Age, direct experience, and pre-existing conditions are all factors that can compound the effects of current events on children’s mental health.  NAMI Basics OnDemand, offered free by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a six-session online education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth ages 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI Basics OnDemand is an adaptation of the in-person course offered in 43… Read More

Pet of the Week: Dora 

Hi! My name is Dora and I am available for adoption. I like getting attention on my own terms. When I come up to say hello, sometimes I want to rub against your pant leg, sometimes I want to smack you, and sometimes I want to bite you. I’ll always keep you guessing as to what kind of mood I am in! I am a gorgeous cat that at first was very timid, but once I realized that people just want to make me happy, I have taken my rightful place as princess… Read More