Taking care of mental health during COVID-19
Crossposted from Public Health Insider COVID-19 has drastically changed our communities, impacting not only physical and financial health, but emotional and mental as well. As we continue to learn more about COVID-19 and adjust our routines, we may notice changes in how we think, feel and relate with ourselves and each other. Now more than ever, staying up to date, making mental health a priority and connecting to supportive resources is key. Here are a few tips for managing mental health during COVID-19: Stay informed Information about COVID-19 is rapidly evolving week… Read More
Safety and security reminder
With many King County employees still working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are fewer “eyes and ears” around to notice when something is out of place in one of our buildings. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few safety tips. Don’t let anyone “tailgate” you into a county building, and make sure doors shut firmly behind you. Also, don’t prop doors open. Be alert to your surroundings as you walk to and from your car or transit stop, between buildings, or outside on breaks. … Read More
Updated teleworking resources
As many in King County continue to telework, KCIT has updated its guidance and resources to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Learn more by visiting the KCIT King County Telework Resources website (SharePoint). For help with a technical issue or problem, contact the KCIT Helpdesk or call 206-263-4357 (3-HELP).
New data shows broader social, economic, health impacts of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Nearly everyone in our community has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It might be from COVID-19 illness, or from local and state efforts to slow its spread. We all are experiencing social distancing, school closures, business closures, or isolation and quarantine. Public Health – Seattle & King County has created a new set of data tools that show some of the broader impacts in King County – focusing on social, economic, and overall health and well-being. Key topics include unemployment, housing and food needs, internet access,… Read More
Asian-Pacific Islander Affinity Group creating meaningful connections with communities during COVID-19
At King County, having a community to connect with is crucial, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. With May being Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important for employees to stay connected, and the County’s Employee Resource Groups, or Affinity Groups, provide a unique opportunity for employees to support one another. The Asian Pacific Islander (API) Affinity Group’s vision is to be “committed to our community to thrive and celebrate our diverse cultures.” With one of their mission statements being “educate non-API communities by promoting and… Read More
Substance use and mental health disorder recovery resources during the pandemic
The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation, the theme of King County Mental Health Month’s third week, and a cornerstone of many recovery programs – has changed in the face of social distancing. Before coronavirus, rooms and facilities in communities across the globe were filled with groups of people offering each other resources, tips, and stories of strength and hope. Now, those groups have… Read More
On-demand webinar: A conversation on self-care
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone’s mental health in unique ways. Now, more than ever, self-care and connection are needed. In recognition of Mental Health Month, Shawna Johnson, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and Heather Steffensen, Interim Employee Assistance Program Manager, led “A Conversation on Self-Care.” This live, interactive webinar covered self-care strategies, techniques and tools to reduce stress and anxiety, and benefits and resources available to support King County employees’ mental health. This webinar, now available on-demand, can be found on the Balanced You blog.
Featured job: Senior Microbiologist – Public Health Laboratory
Salary: $30.96 – $39.24 Hourly Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT) Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2020AB10643 Division: Prevention Closing: 6/12/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Featured job: Pathologist (Disease Control Officer – Associate)
Salary: $182,812.45 – $231,725.73 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2020AB11527 Division: Prevention Closing: Continuous Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Mental Health Month week three: Connecting with others
For the third week of Mental Health month, Balanced You is focusing on the topic “connecting with others.” Social connection helps ward off social isolation and is an important part of mental health. The connections we make with other people enrich our lives and support us through the most difficult times. But, sometimes, it is not easy to know how to make those meaningful, enriching connections, especially during the pandemic. During the pandemic, you may not be as ambitious about connecting with others as you were pre-pandemic, and that is okay. Still,… Read More
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