News and Highlights
March 2020 | www.kingcounty.gov/VSHSL

Conquering social isolation with creativity

Serving our veterans online and by phone

Protecting seniors in our community

COVID-19 materials in multiple languages

Resources for the deaf and hard of hearing community

Open funding opportunities

Conquering social isolation with creativity

South Park Senior Center staff preparing to-go and delivery meals for seniors.

We are so proud of and inspired by our VSHSL funded senior centers! They are all getting creative to find ways to continue to provide seniors with the connections and supports that they rely on, all while helping to protect our community from COVID-19 and keeping the seniors they serve, their staff and themselves safe!

Many senior centers are providing to-go and delivery meal options instead of congregate meals, running online yoga classes instead of in-person group exercise classes and providing regular wellness checks over the phone instead of in person.

Learn how Enumclaw and South Park senior centers are overcoming challenges and getting creative during these uncertain times.

Serving our veterans online and by phone

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect those in our community that are most at risk for serious illness, the King County Veterans Program (KCVP) has shifted to providing services online and by phone. In person services at our Tukwila and Seattle locations will not be offered at this time. Our KCVP Social Service Professionals can be reached by phone at 206-477-7022 (Tukwila Office) or 206-477-8282 (Seattle Office). Feel free to call either office with questions.

Click here for more information on what KCVP services are currently available.

Protecting seniors in our community

We are all in this together. Our communities need us all to get through these stressful times, especially our seniors who may be facing increased challenges and isolation. Consider organizing phone check-ins on older neighbors or help seniors feel less isolated by video chatting or sending them a letter.

If you or a senior that you know in King County needs support contact Community Living Connections at 206-962-8467, or toll free at 1-844-348-5464. You can also email info@communitylivingconnections.org. 

Read on for more resources for seniors and additional ideas on how you can help seniors in your community.

COVID-19 materials in multiple languages

It is important to make sure everyone in our community has the information they need to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Health-Seattle & King County developed COVID-19 materials in 16 languages. The materials are available on their website (on the right-hand side of the page). Public Health’s translated recommendations are frequently updated. Check back regularly for additional resources.

Public Health recommendations in multiple languages are available here.

The Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center has interpretation services available. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call 800-525-0127.

Resources for the deaf and hard of hearing community

Public Health-Seattle & King County compiled a list of local and national resources for the deaf and hard of hearing community, including videos of COVID-19 information in American Sign Language (ASL) from the Hearing Speech Deaf Center (HSDC). HSDC's website is currently dedicated to sharing information about COVID-19 to individuals and families affected by hearing or speech differences.

For more information you can also call the National Deaf Hotline: 855-812-1001.

Click here for more resources for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Stand Together. Stay Apart.

To encourage people to stay home, limit their contact with others, and take the necessary precautions when making essential trips outside the home, Public Health-Seattle & King County launched a public information campaign called Stand Together. Stay Apart.   Please consider sharing these messages, videos and social media posts with your networks.

Open funding opportunities

Countywide Information and Referral Successful applicants will help King County residents in accessing needed assistance by providing a centralized information and referral service. Successful applicants will help veterans, servicemembers or their family members; seniors or their caregivers; or a member of a vulnerable population connect to services that are available in King County or to lead a consortia of agencies that will plan for and assist in the development of a King County Community Information Exchange. Applications due: March 30

Evidence-Based Senior Health Promotion RFP Successful applicants will provide evidence-based and other effective health promotion programs for a diverse range of senior communities - in particular, communities experiencing health and health care disparities. Programs may address falls prevention, physical activity, healthy eating, medication management, chronic disease management, social connectedness, stress management, behavioral health and other health-related issues relevant to the senior population being served. Applications due: April 30

Evidence-Based Senior Health Promotion RFQ Successful applicants will provide individualized program support for the organizations funded to operate senior health promotion programs. Support can include: Assisting providers currently operating evidence-based programs to improve or maintain program fidelity; advising providers initiating an evidence-based program or an adapted evidence-based program on program selection, planning and implementation; supporting programs that do not utilize an evidence-based program model to incorporate an evidence-informed approach; advising and educating programs on other relevant effective health promotion interventions that may be incorporated into existing health promotion programs; providing support around evaluation and assessment. Applications due: April 30

Vets Engaged Successful applicants will provide community-building activities or events that provide opportunities for veterans and their families to socialize with one another and with others. Applications accepted on a rolling basis

For a list of upcoming funding opportunities visit www.kingcounty.gov/VSHSL-Funding

VSHSL in the news

Aging Mastery Program returns to Enumclaw | Enumclaw Senior Center, The Courier Herald