King County mental health resources during COVID-19
King County is sending a mailing to all employees’ homes next week that highlights the mental health benefits and resources available to employees and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlighted services include how to access mental health counseling remotely via telehealth, how to get support via the Employee Assistance Program and Making Life Easier, and Balanced You and community programs and resources that support mental health. Please look for the mailer at home next week, and remember you can always get mental health resources information online via the Mental Health Resource Guide, the… Read More
Tips for staying safe outdoors as more recreation lands reopen
King County Parks is reopening parks and trails on May 8 following a six-week closure in support of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmissions through the state. Outdoor recreation is a great idea but we absolutely need to continue to take precautions to prevent bringing COVID-19 back home with us. Everyone must practice safe distancing and good hand hygiene whether indoors or out because lives depend on it,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Where… Read More
Executive recognizes Public Health Director Patty Hayes for receiving top award for University of Washington alumni
King County Executive Dow Constantine lauded Public Health — Seattle & King County Director Patty Hayes for receiving the prestigious University of Washington Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award. The award is presented annually by the UW and the UW Alumni Association and is the highest honor the University bestows on a UW graduate. Educated as a nurse, with both a baccalaureate degree and master’s degrees from the University of Washington School of Nursing, Hayes leads one of the largest and most respected metropolitan health departments in the country, which is currently at the forefront… Read More
Phone donation gives instant access to mental health support in isolation/quarantine
Crosposed from Cultivating Connections When King County opened its first isolation/quarantine site this March in Kent as part of its emergency response to the COVID-19 crisis, the need to support guests’ mental health in addition to their physical health was immediately revealed as a top priority. “It would be challenging for anyone to isolate or quarantine in a hotel room for up to 14 days, and this challenge is exacerbated when you have this terrible virus,” said Isabel Jones, Deputy Division Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, Community and Human Services. “As part of our response we… Read More
Metro adds trips and seat signs; No fares through May 31
Crossposted from Metro Matters As King County Metro continues to provide service for essential trips only, we remain committed to making transit as safe and reliable as possible. Realizing that Metro’s reduced schedule and passenger limits have made commuting more challenging for some essential workers, we recently reduced the minimum number of riders for our Vanpool program to two people. Also, for customers with disabilities who are essential workers or are making essential trips, we’ve expanded eligibility for our Metro Access program. Read more from Metro Matters
Mental Health Month week one: Owning your feelings
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we cope with stress, make healthy choices, and relate to others. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and, due to the stress brought on by COVID-19, this is a particularly important year to focus on this aspect of well-being. Balanced You is here to support employees and their loved ones in taking care of their mental health. During the month of May, Balanced You will focus communications on mental health tips and resources. For the first week of Mental… Read More
King County Parks to re-open parks and trails on May 8: ‘Recreate Responsibly!’
King County Parks announced today that on May 8 it will re-open its parks and trails, including regional and backcountry trails, with some restrictions. The county cautions, however, that keeping parks and trails open will depend on visitors practicing safe distancing and following public health guidelines. Parking lots and trailheads will be open, as well as fields, docks and boat launches, and the off-leash dog area at Marymoor Park. Visitors are asked to “Keep it Moving!” and refrain from gathering or playing team sports or pick-up games on the fields. King County… Read More
Featured job: Nurse Supervisor for COVID-19 Response – Strike Teams and Recovery Centers (PHSS)
Salary: $46.16 – $59.96 Hourly Location: Multiple locations in King County, WA Job Type: Short Term Temporary, Part Time, Std Wkly Hrs Vary Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2020NH11609 Division: Community Health Services Closing: Continuous Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Supporting you this Mental Health Month
Dear King County employee, May is Mental Health Month, an opportunity for us to not only learn more about how we can help those affected by mental illness, but also strengthen our own mental health and resilience. The coronavirus pandemic has changed our everyday lives – at home, at work, and in the community. It’s brought new fears and anxieties, and interrupted many of the things we love. But it has also a brought new opportunities to strengthen our personal connections, to look at how we can help our community through this… Read More
Employee profile: Stepping up highlights commitment to public service
During this difficult time, King County employees continue to be examples of true leadership and dedication to our public service mission. From nurses to front-line staff, the current situation has provided an opportunity for employees from all different backgrounds and abilities to continue giving their time and energy to overcome this virus. One such employee is Angela Jimenez, a nurse in the Children with Special Health Care Needs program (CSHCN) within Public Health – Seattle & King County. A Seattle native, Angela has been with King County since 2018 and has enjoyed… Read More
Employee News 