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 use its downtown Seattle properties to provide regional services, and will produce significant cost savings by lowering utility and building maintenance costs. It will also allow the County to defer major maintenance on the aging, inefficient building, which opened in 1971.
While details are still being worked out, employees will be relocated to King Street Center and the Chinook Building when it is safe for employees to return to work, and many will continue to telework in some capacity. Opportunities will be provided for employees to collect personal items from the Administration Building, and prepare necessary items for transportation.
The skybridge connecting the King County Correctional Facility and the Courthouse, and the first floor of the Administration Building, will likely remain open to ensure access between buildings.
The County is developing long-term plans for its downtown civic campus that will include recommendations for repurposing the property.
As plans are finalized over the coming months, further details will be shared with staff to ensure a safe and successful transition to new worksites.
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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 stuff every week with T-Mobile Tuesdays – all with taxes and fees included. Call 855-570-9947 today. Restrictions apply. Learn more here. For information about both offers, visit www.t-mobile.com/perks for more details.
View all available discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts.
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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 more.
Panel 1 today on September 10 at 5 p.m. will focus on identifying the key gaps for the region to focus on during recovery.
Read more in the official press release.
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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 the winner announced, on King County Executive Dow Constantine’s official Facebook page.
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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 get a free test, visit www.kingcounty.gov/covid/sites.
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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.
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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.
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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.
As we head into fall, we in Public Health – Seattle and King County are acutely aware of the need to ensure we have the capacity in our health care system to treat an anticipated increase in COVID cases. Critical resources like ICU beds and emergency department staff must be available to treat COVID-19. To help relieve the burden on hospitals, flu vaccination is more important than ever. Flu vaccination prevents millions of flu illnesses and medical visits, tens of thousands of flu hospitalizations and thousands of deaths from flu in the U.S. each season. In addition, influenza and COVID-19 share many symptoms and it will be complicated to distinguish between the two. It’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent influenza illnesses that may be confused with COVID-19 and result in unnecessary isolation or quarantine and avoid preventable visits to a healthcare provider or hospital.
Today I am appealing to you to get a flu shot this fall. In addition to decreasing the number of activities outside the home, wearing a mask whenever in public and social distancing, getting a flu shot is one of the most important actions you can take at this point in time to stay healthy and aid in our community-wide response to the pandemic. The county makes it free for employees and anyone covered by your benefits to get a flu shot at one of our onsite clinics, or at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. The Balanced You team is again organizing onsite flu shot clinics for those workers onsite. The schedule and more information about on-site flu clinics is here. If you are working from home, avoid a commute to a worksite by getting vaccinated at your physician’s office or local pharmacy. Information for telecommuters seeking a flu shot is here.
I want to reassure you of several things:
- The flu vaccine is safe – you will not get the flu from the vaccine.
- The flu vaccine is effective – it reduces your likelihood of getting the flu and is even more effective in reducing severe infections and hospitalizations.
- When you get a flu shot, you also help prevent flu from spreading to others, especially those who are high risk for both COVID and flu due to their age or medical conditions.
- For those of you getting vaccinated onsite, the Balanced You team is working with Get a Flu Shot social distancing, sanitation and other protocols that will make the experience safe.
On behalf of your partners in public health, we thank you for taking this action.
Jeff Duchin, MD
Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County
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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 states by NAMI affiliates.
Register for the program at https://basics.nami.org. The program is divided into six sessions, including:
- Basic elements of coping with mental health conditions
- Brain biology and getting a diagnosis
- Communication skills and crisis preparation
- Treatment and connecting with others by sharing your story
- Navigating the mental health and education systems
- Self-care and advocacy
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
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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 and will be adored and treated with respect! I can get overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. My personality color is RED. I am a spirited cat with a fun-loving personality! I may be sensitive to handling, so I would do best in a home with a cat savvy family who knows when to give me some space.
Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.
Employee News 