Dear Neighbor, 

Happy New Year! I want to thank all of you who have continued to follow public health guidelines to keep yourselves and the rest of our community safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.

South King County has been hard hit, but I am proud of our community for continuing to frequently wash their hands, wear a mask, stay six feet apart and avoid group gatherings. 

Protecting public health and safety—particularly among seniors and vulnerable populations—is my top priority as your County Councilmember during this pandemic.

As Washington receives vaccine doses, County public health departments will be helping the State with equitable distribution. 

We are working to get the vaccine out to everyone who wants one as quickly as we can.

That's why King County is stepping up to enhance the state and federal efforts by providing $7 million to help fund increased access and make it easier and faster for everyone to get the vaccine once supplies become available. 

These County funds will be used to set up two high volume vaccination sites in South King County and five mobile strike teams to reach those who can't get to a doctor or vaccination site. 

This funding will help ensure that those who are historically overlooked when it comes to access to health care and are right now being hit hardest by the virus can quickly get a vaccine.

In the coming weeks, each high-volume vaccination site will be able to offer 500-1200 free vaccinations every day, provided that we are able to get the supplies of vaccine we need.

Remember, not everyone is currently eligible for the vaccine, but the State has just updated eligibility to include those who are aged 65 and older, and those aged 50 and older if they live in a household where two or more generations live (such as an elder and a grandchild) and meets additional specific qualifications.

As we look ahead to the task of building back our economy and our community, we know that the vaccine is the first step. I encourage you to join me at my Town Hall on Vaccines on Wednesday, February 3^rd from 6:00pm-7:00pm (more information below.)

For information about the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit: 

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine.aspx

For information about getting vaccinated, please visit:

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine/distribution.aspx

Town Hall on the COVID-19 Vaccine

Please join me and the Director of Public Health- Seattle & King County, Patty Hayes, for another virtual town hall. We will be providing an update on the COVID-19 vaccines, roles/responsibilities of Public Health and what can be expected in these next few months. Please submit your questions in advance to dave.upthegrove@kingcounty.gov

What: Town Hall w/ Patty Hayes (Director of Seattle-King County Public Health)

Topic: The COVID-19 Vaccine

When: Wednesday, February 3rd 6:00-7:00 PM

Where: Streamed live- Facebook.com/cmupthegrove 

Welcome the 2021 D5 Youth Advisory Council! 

Early this month, I had the pleasure of convening the first District 5 Youth Advisory Council Meeting of the year.

The District 5 Youth Advisory Council consists of eight local teens who will provide me with direct input on issues and concerns they face in our community. In addition to sharing their experiences, teens will also get the opportunity to gain new skills and learn from both community organizations and County employees about the work they do. Stay tuned for more info and insights into this program over the next few months!

King County’s proposed Strategic Climate Action Plan Recognizes Environmental Justice

South King County residents experience higher rates of asthma and other public health issues related to greenhouse gas emissions and the lack of open spaces leads to warmer temperatures in the urban areas. To help address these issues, the King County Council will soon take up the 2020 Update to the Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP). The five-year plan outlines King County’s priorities and commitment to combat climate change and for the first time, the plan recognizes that low-income residents and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by climate change.

To help combat this unjust reality, the 2020 update includes a new section entitled “Sustainable & Resilient Frontline Communities,” which brings the voice, experiences, and expertise of these communities to the SCAP.  By focusing on frontline groups experiencing undue impacts firsthand, we will be able to partner more effectively with the community.  In doing so, we can improve the quality of life in South King County for generations to come. 

Learn more about the Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP) and read the full plan by visiting the King County website.

While my staff and I are all working remotely, we are still available to serve you during the pandemic. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Dave

King County Councilmember
District 5

Councilmember Dave Upthegrove

King County Council - District 5

dave.upthegrove@kingcounty.gov  |  (206) 477-1005

www.kingcounty.gov/upthegrove

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