[DOH Community Collaborative] Gratitude, Meeting Updates, Washington State Budget and More

Dear Community, 

Closing out the year, we are deeply grateful for our community partners and hopeful for the future ahead. Despite the challenges we are certain to face, we are fortunate to be part of a strong and connected Collaborative. I hope this holiday season brings you moments of rest and renewal, and that together we can step into the new year with even stronger bonds and a shared sense of community. 

Please take a moment to review our upcoming Community Collaborative meetings and other important information!

Review the December meeting summary which included a community conversation with partners Center for Multicultural Health and Refugee Immigrant Services Northwest and DOH’s efforts to focus on upstream prevention of behavioral health issues.

Community Collaborative Meeting Schedule 

Our current schedule is the second Wednesday of the month, from 3:30p.m.-5:00p.m. In the first quarter of 2025 our dates and key topics:   

• January 8, 2025: Q&A with Outgoing Sec. Shah, Look Back Look Ahead, Governor’s Budget
• February 12, 2025: 988 and Behavioral Health Continued, Urban Indian Initiative
• March 12, 2025:  Health Equity Zones, Rulemaking

Don’t miss out! Open enrollment for health and dental insurance is open through January 15 at Washington Healthplanfinder regardless of immigration status. Call 1-855-923-4633 or visit wahealthplanfinder.org for more information.   

The Washington West African Center (WAWAC) invites you to a Health Insurance Enrollment Event on Saturday, December 21st, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the West African Community Hall in Lynnwood, Wash.  View event details. 

It’s storm season! Find simple ways to stay safe during a power outage in Tacoma-Pierce County’s Reliable Source blog.

Holiday blues? Many people struggle while others celebrate. Holidays often bring new pressures, expenses, and other stressors. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is here to help. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers additional mental health resources online. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers tips on protecting your mental health during the holidays. 

Interested in a Public-Private Partnerships gathering hosted by Magic Cabinet and King County Communities of Opportunity?  Use this link to sign up for updates. 

Maternal Health Innovations for Native Communities. The Department of Health released a 2-year funding opportunity open to American Indian or Alaska Native Nations, Native organizations, Urban Indian Organizations, or a collaborative of these groups. Apply by January 6, 2025, at 8 a.m. PST 

King County is seeking applicants for Stopping the School to Prison Pipeline.  Apply by January 30.

Check out funding opportunities from agencies and organizations that support groups that promote the health and well-being of our babies, children, and young people.

Check out FundHubWA for climate and clean energy funding opportunities for individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Central Washington Disability Resources is recruiting board members in Kittitas, Chelan, Douglas, Yakima or Grant counties.  Learn more and apply here.

The Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) is recruiting two parents/caregivers to join a Pediatric CHW Community Advisory Board!  See the Flyer and if interested, complete this and complete this form by Tuesday, December 31.

DOH is seeking Pathways Advisory Committee (PAC) members to provide input on how diversifying the public health workforce!  Join the info session January 7th from 11-11:30 a.m by emailing the WFP program at workforcepathwaysprogram@doh.wa.gov. Or apply via the PAC Interest Form (English) or PAC Interest Form (Spanish).

Healthy King County Coalition has a new mentorship program via four Zoom meetings designed for community members that wish to develop their community organizing skills.  Stipends are provided and program participants will then be eligible for funds to carry out a project. Apply by December 31.

Governor Inslee released proposed 2025–2027 budgets for Washington State. Learn about priority areas despite the budget shortfall. 

Washington is working to improve equitable, inclusive hiring, including eliminating degree requirements and challenging agencies to achieve a workforce comprised of at least 5% people with disabilities. Read about these efforts here.