July is BIPOC Mental Health Month
Established in 2008 in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, the formally recognized National Minority Mental Health Awareness month was created to bring awareness to the unique mental health struggles that underrepresented groups in the U.S. experience. Anyone can experience mental health challenges; they do not discriminate based on race, age, gender, or identity. At the same time, one’s background and identities can present unique experiences, specific barriers, and opportunities to get support. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and underrepresented communities face additional barriers including structural racism, access to quality care, and cultural stigmas.
This year Mental Health America is going #BeyondtheNumbers with a BIPOC Mental Health Month Toolkit. Join Balanced You and Mental Health America, and together we will gain knowledge of historical context, systems of support, and actionable ways to move forward toward a mentally healthy future.
Read more here about how to support yourself and your community with mental health resources and worksheets.
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Crossposted from the DES Express
Sheri Badger, Public Information Officer for Emergency Management, is used to being behind the scenes, responding to media inquiries, writing social media posts and other content, and orchestrating regional gatherings of communicators.
But after surviving a cardiac arrest at work, thanks to the quick response of co-workers who performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), she agreed to share her story. Read more.
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Paving the way to disability justice: Remembering the Section 504 Sit-ins
By Dorian Esper–Taylor, ADA Disability Specialist, Office of Equity and Social Justice
When we think of the life-changing civil rights movements in the U.S., the road to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is often a forgotten struggle. Historically, civil rights movements in the U.S. have begun as radical struggles. Equal rights have been earned and fought for rather than given; disability rights and the pathway to the ADA were no different. One of the early victories was the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the first disability rights law in the U.S., which prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability in any program that received federal funds. As with any civil rights law, enforcement began slowly. Read more.
Pictured: Brad Lomax, center, next to the activist Judy Heumann at a rally in 1977 at Lafayette Square in Washington. Next to Judy Heumann is Eunice Fiorito, President of the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities and another organizer of the national sit-ins and rallies. Image courtesy of the article “We Want 504!” from the Boundary Stones: WETA’s Washington DC History Blog.
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How to keep kids safe from COVID this summer: A checklist for parents
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
Summer is here, and that brings a mix of emotions for parents. Let’s be real, this year has been a dumpster fire of stress and anxiety for parents navigating the pandemic. While some may feel relief, others are facing a whole new set of questions about how to keep their kids safe from COVID-19 in settings like camps or during summer travel. When kids have less structured time, some kids may need to make more of their own health and safety choices.
No matter your plans or circumstances, we’ve put together a checklist for you to make it a little bit easier to track all the current recommendations about keeping kids protected from COVID. We hope it can make the difference between COVID spoiled plans and the summertime fun we all need and deserve. Read more.
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Volunteer to close a ballot drop box for the August Primary
The Primary election is just around the corner and Elections is looking for volunteers to help close ballot drop boxes on Election Night. Under state law, ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day. As a volunteer drop box closer, you will be paired with Elections staff to close a drop box, provide customer service, and hand out I Voted stickers. No experience is necessary.
Election Day is Tuesday, August 2 and Elections is looking for volunteers from about 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sign up and join us for a fun and fulfilling experience helping your neighbors experience the excitement and community of casting their ballots. Please note that this volunteer opportunity is only for current King County employees.
Have questions? Learn more here.
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Ballot drop box moved, now located near King Street Center
King County Elections has relocated the ballot drop box previously found at the Administration Building on Fourth Ave to near the King Street Center. The new location is in front of the Kingdome Deli on the corner of Second Ave S and S King St.
This new location will provide more direct access to a ballot drop box for the Pioneer Square area and is more conveniently located to a variety of transit options. View all drop box locations, at the King County Elections website.
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Crossposted from the DES Express
The sound of wedding bells is getting louder. King County is starting to see an increase in business for marriage licenses.
“We believe this is due to customers becoming more comfortable with our online process, couples now able to have larger get-togethers and receptions that were prohibited under COVID, and more people traveling to Seattle to have their weddings,” said recording manager Jon Scherer. “This last category is particularly interesting as we are anecdotally seeing an increase in couples coming to us from Oregon.” Read more.
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Disability Pride Day event with Anita Whitfield, July 26
Join Anita Whitfield, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, and employees in celebration of Disability Pride to honor and recognize the contributions of people with disabilities through the lens of equity.
This event is co-sponsored by the King County Disability Equity Network, the King County Disability Awareness Month Committee, and the Office of Equity and Social Justice.
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Tuesday, July 26 from noon to 1 p.m. Register in advance here. After you register for this event you will receive a confirmation email. Zoom details will be sent out in a separate email prior to the event.
Reasonable Accommodations: This Zoom event includes live captioning and ASL interpretation will be available. For other reasonable accommodations, contact Taryn Farley at 206-263-8927 or tfarley@kingcounty.gov by July 20.
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Register now for Road to Retirement, July 19 and 26
Check out the following educational opportunities to help you prepare for retirement. These online classes will be held on Zoom or Teams and are provided by your King County Retirement Team.
This 90-minute class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement.
Registration is required. Use the registration links above, then select the date you’d like to attend. Before classes start, you’ll receive a meeting invitation at the email address you register with. Please note, attendance at retirement classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.
For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, refer to the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.
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5th Avenue Theatre discount tickets for Come From Away
Broadway’s Come From Away is a Best Musical winner. This inspirational, funny, and touching show celebrates humanity and being kind to one another.
King County employees can receive a 20% discount on all tickets for Sunday evening through Friday evening shows.
Book directly at www.5thavenue.org/seacity using promo code: SEACITY to purchase your tickets.
See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
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Create diagrams and flowcharts with Visio Online – now free for all King County employees
Visio is the ultimate tool for creating professional diagrams and flowcharts. Now any King County employee can access the free Visio Online app through your Office 365 portal. Visio Online offers most of the same tools and templates as the paid desktop version, allowing you to easily create flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, and more.
Learn more by watching this video demo (28:20) from our recent KCIT Office Hours with Microsoft webinar series, or check out the Office 365: Get Started with Visio Online Skill Track in the KCIT Training Hub. For further assistance, Executive branch employees can LiveChat with the KCIT Helpdesk. Employees in separately-elected agencies should contact their department IT support.
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Pet of the Week: Bunny
Hi, I'm Bunny, an 11-week-old domestic shorthair, all grey kitten available for adoption. I am an adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow! I am outgoing and carefree, and I just can't wait to snuggle up with you!
You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has returned to walk-in services. Learn more about the adoption process on our website. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC by phone at 206-296-PETS (7387) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.
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Featured Job: Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (West Point)
King County Headlines
Public Health Insider: Monkey pox vaccine Q&A: Who is eligible now and why
Metro Matters: Ride the Water Taxi to the Vashon Strawberry Festival
Best Starts for Kids: Best Starts Announces Funding for School Based Health Centers
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