Responding to the addiction and mental health crisis, and more
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 08/17/2022 03:29 PM PDT
Hello Residents of King County District 2,
This is your friendly neighborhood King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay. Below are some news, updates, and events that I think you’ll find useful.
As a quick reminder, this email will provide you a snapshot of the most recent things I’ve been working on. For a more comprehensive list of my legislation and priorities, check out my King County website where I list what we’ve been working on over the past year.
For those of you who are not familiar with King County government, and are not sure how it differs from City of Seattle government, I made a short King County 101 video explaining the differences here.
To reply to this email or to send us your comments or questions, please reach out to kccdistrict2@kingcounty.gov.
Upcoming Legislation
Announcing a new way to address the addiction and mental health crisis in King County
We need a better way to care for people who are experiencing severe substance use disorders or mental illness. Too many people are suffering and I know all of us know someone who needs help and support.
Last week, I joined a coalition of partners to announce the first steps of reshaping how we respond to behavioral health crises in King County.
The proposal we’ve been designing would create a new regional network of Crisis Care Centers, places that people can walk into and access same-day care, whether for substance use disorders or mental illness. It would also invest in and support a robust workforce to operate these facilities.
Our current systems for solving our behavioral health crisis are beyond inadequate. There’s only one 46-bed behavioral health crisis facility for our entire 2.3 million-person County. This lone facility is accessible only by first responder referral and does not accept walk-ins.
This lack of infrastructure has meant that people with severe drug dependency or mental illness are fending for themselves either in their homes, or on the streets, or at bus stops, or they end up in jails or emergency rooms which — again — are wildly ineffective and even harmful solutions.
There’s still a ton of work to do to develop the proposal and I’m excited to keep working with our coalition to do that! Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details.
You can watch my full remarks from the press conference here. You can also find Executive Constantine’s press release making the announcement here.
Lastly, I should point out that we are not reinventing the wheel here. Other states, like Arizona, have advanced crisis care systems. I visited Arizona earlier this year to learn more about their systems, and wrote about that trip here.
Mental Health Support for Youth
According to the CDC, the percent of American high school students who report feeling “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” rose from 26% in 2009 to 44% in 2021. In just a decade, hopelessness amongst our youth almost doubled to the highest recorded percentage in history.
When I ask young people about this, the causes of depression they list are diverse: the seemingly never ending barrage of global catastrophes, social media, problems at home, disillusionment with national leadership, widening gap between the rich and the poor, isolation, and so much more.
But there is one common theme—they all agree that there are nowhere near enough mental health resources to help them navigate and heal from these devastating personal and public stressors.
Yesterday, our council passed an amendment that will allocate $5 million toward behavioral health services for youth, with prioritization of school-based services, mental health first aid, and suicide prevention for youth. I'm glad to co-sponsor this measure with prime sponsor Councilmember Rod Dembowski.
Thank you also to Councilmembers Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Reagan Dunn for co-sponsoring. Special thank you to Councilmember Sarah Perry for her role in serving on and engaging the MIDD Advisory Board on this important topic, making the legislation possible. Thank you for your commitment to mental health!
At every level of government and society, there is a ton more work to do to support the mental well-being of our youth. I hope we will all continue to work together to address this crisis and ensure a healthy next generation of adults.
Zero Youth Fare
On July 26th, Zero Youth Fare legislation passed unanimously! An estimated 300,000 youth 18 and younger in King County will ride public transit for free starting this coming school year. Thank you to all our transit advocates, the Transportation Choices Coalition, Senator Marko Liias, our whole state legislature, King County Metro, King County Executive Dow Constantine, regional transit committee members, the King County Council, and everyone who made Zero Youth Fare possible! For more information, please visit this link here.
Organizing with Food Banks for Food Security
On July 25th, my office organized a meeting with food banks in my district to discuss what they’re seeing and strategize on how we can better feed the people. Food insecurity is a growing issue in this economy so listening to these experts and crafting responsive policy is critical.
The main ideas we heard on what local governments can do better:
Help influence the federal gov to reauthorize federal benefits like SNAP and the Farm Bill
Direct more resources toward food security orgs, especially smaller and non traditional food providers like churches
Help create a unified food security network by building connectivity and relationships between food security organizations around the region
Use food banks as opportunities to help individuals access other resources like rental assistance, jobs, & transit benefits
Invest in and build the capacity of food banks to also do federal benefits outreach. Every $1 invested in SNAP outreach (ensuring people who qualify for federal food benefits apply and receive benefits) returns locally many times more $ of federal benefits.
Expand local transportation options. Soaring gas prices are making it hard for people to drive to food banks. Also expand opportunities for food banks to access Metro vans to make food deliveries to people in need.
I’m excited to get to work to promote food security in our district!
Gun Return Program
I recently co-sponsored legislation that would create a permanent, voluntary, safe firearm and ammunition return program within the King County Sheriff’s Office. The legislation passed unanimously and is a small but important step in making our communities safer through a simple, voluntary process. For more information, please visit this article from the Seattle Medium here.
Upcoming Events
Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee
Tune in to King County TV on August 30th and September 6th at 9:30AM to watch the LJHHS committee live.
To provide public comment on current agenda items, connect to the meeting via phone or computer by using the Zoom application: https://zoom.us/
Enter the Webinar ID: 850 0890 3714
If you do not have access to the ZOOM application, you can connect to the meeting by calling 253-215-8782 and using the webinar ID above.
You may submit written public comment on current agenda items by sending an e-mail to: kcccomitt@kingcounty.gov
The committee will be briefed and may act on the following items:
Tuesday, August 30th
Briefing from the incoming Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Director Allen Nance on in-custody deaths
Briefing from Superior Court on House Bill 1320 implementation
Proposed Motion 2022-0171: requesting the executive to develop a plan for establishing a community-based countywide hotline to report hate crimes and incidents
Proposed Motion 2022-0239: acknowledging the receipt of the second of two independent monitor reports as they relate to youth confinement
Proposed Motion 2022-0268: approving the second of two reports showing the plan for achieving Zero Youth Detention and for instituting a strategic planning process for the future of the children and family justice center.
In case you missed our July 7th Law, Justice, Health and Human Services meeting: here’s a link to the video!
Build the Bench
Know any middle school or high school students in the South End who want to learn civics, organizing, political advocacy, or running for office? Have them RSVP for the next Build the Bench– a workshop series that I started in 2020 to help support the next generation of civic leaders! Our next workshop on Saturday, August 20, will include State Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Councilmember Tammy Morales, and the Renton Innovation Zone Partnership!
Build the Bench also sent out its first email newsletter this week! Check it out here to find local campaign jobs, political internships, and resources to learn how to run for office.
Jefferson Community Center Mock Trial Camp
Do you know any middle or high school student wanting to improve their public speaking skills? Send them this link to join Mock Trial Camp at Jefferson Community Center on Saturday (8/20) from 12 - 4 PM! It’s free and lunch will be provided.
Black Pride 2022
Join POCAAN and PNW Black Pride for their annual Black Pride, happening from - a weekend for everyone, including workshops, Sage Dinner, health festival, music performances, parties, and more.
Pride 2022 features Sevndeep, RIKO WITH A K, Neverending Nina, Ladie Chablis, Saffron Volt, The Jacob Gabriel, Koach T, Lamont White, Edens Garden Series, Bobbi K, Javae, and Regine Dynasty.
COVID Update
The CoV-19 BA.5 wave appears to have crested in King County. Reported cases have been slowly declining since late May, although they still remain higher than all past peaks except Omicron when unreported cases are considered. Although CoV-19 remains a threat to the safety and well-being of our community, we are moving in a good direction. Please continue to take safety measures such as those listed at the bottom of this section.
Hospitalizations are trending down, but less markedly. The current overall hospitalization rate comparable to the average peak seasonal influenza rate is substantial. In the past 30 days: 60% hospitalizations > 70 yrs; 6% < 20 yrs; 28% 20-59 years. Rates are highest in those not fully vaccinated.
Due to relatively high levels of vaccination coverage among older adults, deaths did not spike during BA.5 but have held steady at 2-3 per day. If maintained, that would be over 700 deaths per year in King County (current US rate is over 140,000 deaths per year.
CoV-19 is not going away anytime soon. It is likely that there will be periodic surges, but it is still not possible to predict with certainty how often and severe. It depends on the population immunity from vaccinations and infection, how variants evolve with reference to severity and ability to dodge immunity.
We CAN limit current and future infections, hospitalizations, deaths w/sustainable long-term layered strategies that we know work, including:
Most importantly, be up to date with all vaccine doses and boosters
Improve indoor air in public spaces: ventilation, filtration, +/- UVG
Take advantage of treatment if you have high-risk conditions or 65+; get preventive treatment if immunocompromised. For more information, please visit this link here
Use high quality (N95, KN95, KF94) masks in indoor public settings when transmission is high & anytime to reduce personal risk.
Test with symptoms and before indoor gatherings with high risk people and quarantine if exposed to someone with CoV-19, if possible
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Babies
Here are a few outreach toolkits in varying languages that pull together information and resources to help community and faith organizations, childcare providers, schools, and other youth service providers answer common questions about COVID-19 vaccination for children. They include links to videos, flyers, social media graphics, sample text messages, and other resources, and also tips on how organizations can use these resources.
Outreach Toolkits for COVID Vaccine for Children ages 5-11 are also available in English and Spanish.
Here is also a library of short videos featuring Dr. Ben Danielson, Dr. Helen Stankiewicz Karita (Spanish), and Dr. Ahmed Ali and Dr. Iman Yusari (Somali) answers questions from parents about the COVID-19 vaccine for babies and young children. View them from the Videos section of https://kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth.
The Ask Miss Rona blog answers questions submitted by people on Instagram about COVID-19 vaccine for little ones here.
Please check https://www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth (translated into over a dozen languages) for more resources, including slide decks, flyers, and consent forms for minors.
COVID-19 Boosters
Read this blog to learn why you should get your booster.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus. It is typically spread through close physical contact.
The virus often causes a rash, which may look like bumps on your skin, blisters, or ulcers. Some people have a flu-like illness before they develop a rash. Infections with the strain of monkeypox virus identified in the U.S. outbreak are rarely fatal, and most people recover in 2-4 weeks.
Vaccines for monkeypox can help to prevent disease or make it less severe. If you think you may have been exposed or have symptoms, contact your health provider immediately. Visit our monkeypox vaccine page for more information.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox you should contact your health care provider immediately for an evaluation. People with symptoms may also be seen at Public Health's Sexual Health Clinic.
The medical and scientific community is still learning about monkeypox because the current outbreak is still very new. Information will be updated as we learn more.
Current Case Count
Cases continue to double each week. As of August 9th, there are 183 cases in King County. Our region’s case count is updated each weekday here.
Monkeypox Vaccine Update
We continue to contend with scarce vaccine supply; King County received no new doses until August 5th when 4,400 new doses arrived at our Vaccine Depot. Prior to this shipment, most of our providers, including Public Health’s Sexual Health Clinic, were out of vaccine and some had to turn away clients. This afternoon the Public Health team has begun transferring doses to providers who serve the priority populations.
As part of Public Health’s vaccine allocation plan, 500 doses were reserved for a community vaccination event that will occur this Saturday. Public Health is doing very targeted outreach in partnership with Entre Hermanos, Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, POCAAN, Lifelong, and Utopia to drive individuals at highest risk for Monkeypox to Saturday’s event. We ask that you don’t broadly share this event given our limited supply and the ongoing outreach being done by the community.
Because vaccines continue to be extremely limited, Public Health continues to prioritize vaccine for the highest risk individuals: 1) People who have been exposed to a confirmed case, or 2) Gay, bisexual, or other men or transgender people who have sex with men AND at least one of the following:
More than 10 sex partners in the prior 3 months
History of early syphilis or gonorrhea in the prior year
Methamphetamine use in the prior month
Attendance at a bathhouse, other public sex venue, or group sex (sex including at least 3 people at the same time) in the prior 3 months
Experiencing homelessness/unstable housing AND currently living in a congregate setting AND had any sexual activity in the prior 3 months.
As a reminder, our data indicates that there are at least 20,000 people at highest risk for monkeypox exposure and likely an additional 20,000 people who may be at elevated risk.
Information on the number of vaccines received and distributed by King County is on our monkeypox webpage. This information will be updated weekly.
Declaration of Public Health Emergency
On August 4th, the White House declared monkeypox a public health emergency. The declaration could allow health agencies to collect more data about cases and vaccinations, accelerate vaccine distribution and make it easier for doctors to prescribe treatment. At this point in time, it does not provide additional monetary resources.
If you need monkeypox testing and/or the vaccine and do not have a health care provider, you can continue to call Public Health’s PICC line at 206-477-3977. Given vaccine availability, there may be limited options for referrals at this time.
Out in the Community
Van Donation to Rainier Beach Action Coalition
Check out the new van my office donated toRainier Beach Action Coalition so they can continue the amazing work they do for the community. They’ll use this van for food delivery, driving seniors and disabled neighbors, and transporting corner greeters for community safety!
Congressional Field Hearingon Economic Disparity & Fairness in Growth
On August 8th, I joined a congressional field hearing on Economic Disparity & Fairness in Growth to share ways we can close the wealth gap and support an equitable recovery. Thank you, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, for organizing!
Participatory Budget and Food Delivery with Urban Food Systems Pact
August 5th was a sunny day in Skyway filled with community members supporting one another! I was glad to be able to deliver healthy food boxes with Urban Food Systems Pact, provide crosswalk options with the Washington State Department of Transportation, and get people's votes on Participatory Budgeting with King County Local Services.
Skyway Park Community Event
On July 29th, I got to join the Skyway Coalition in announcing the exciting plans for Skyway Park. I’m super excited for our community to get new basketball courts, soccer, hockey, playgrounds, better ADA accessibility and lighting, community gathering spaces, and much more. It was great to join Skyway community members, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, King County Parks, King County Executive Dow Constantine, the Seattle Kraken, and the King County Department of Local Services for an event at the park to update the residents on the park’s progress and celebrate!
Emerson Elementary Read Aloud Program
I loved joining the students at Emerson Elementary for their Read Aloud program. I read a small section from the book Evicted to help students begin their journey toward public policy and thinking of solutions for supporting struggling people in their communities. I felt uplifted by their thoughtfulness, compassion, and energy!
Third Annual District 2 Water Delivery
On July 28th, it was the hottest week of the year, which meant it was time to fire up the Ice Truck for my third annual District 2 Water Delivery in partnership with Safeway! We dropped off waters to New Birth in Skyway, the Rainier Valley Food Bank, Asian Counseling and Referral Services, and the Central Area Senior Center! I’m thankful for these organizations keeping our communities hydrated and healthy.
Grants & Resources
Thank you to my colleague, Councilmember Sarah Perry, for compiling the below grant opportunities.
Youth and Healing RFP
Applications are due Monday, August 22nd at 2PM. Apply now at this link.
Best Starts for Kids is looking to directly fund young people to work on projects that aim to improve the mental health, connection, and well-being of youth. They are looking for creative ideas that center young people and address the negative impacts of COVID-19. Projects should empower young people as leaders. There is approximately $110,000 to be allocated with a project maximum of $9,999.
For more details, please visit the grant website here, or if you have questions, please email Phillip Thompson at phithompson@kingcounty.gov.
Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Service Provider Staffing Grant
King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and the Adult Services Division (ASD) is pleased to share this opportunity for nonprofit human services partners who currently receive funding through the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL). This RFA will fund one-time hiring and retention bonuses of $2,000 per employee. There is a total of $1,537,614 to be allocated.
Best Starts for Kids is seeking proposals from organizations to partner on three areas of work to support families with children from birth to age 5. The programs are Parent Caregiver Information and Supports, Basic Needs Resource Brokers, and Kaleidoscope Play and Learn. There is approximately $5.23 million to be allocated.
For more details, please visit the grant website here, or if you have questions, please email Phillip Thompson, at phithompson@kingcounty.gov.
The Washington State Legislature funded the Outdoor Learning Grants program with the goal to develop and support outdoor educational experiences for students in Washington public schools. Outdoor education providers may apply for experiential, outdoor education program activities. There is $1.85 million to be allocated with a grant limit of $250,000.
The Washington State Legislature has allocated a new round of grant funding for small businesses affected by the pandemic. Funds will be set aside for the arts, heritage, science, hospitality, fitness, and personal services. $70 million was appropriated for this round of funding.
This 4Culture grant allows organizations to secure long-term facility needs, funding activities that increase an organization’s capability to advocate and plan for, fundraise for, lease, acquire, repair, remodel, and/or construct space suitable for their programming. Organizations can apply for up to $25,000.
Best Starts for Kids is seeking to partner with up to two organizations to improve and support the social and emotional outcomes for babies, young children, and their families in the context of culture, language, and community by supporting the people who work with them. There is approximately $1 million to be allocated annually.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on September 18, 2022 for Tier 1 Awards.
Visit the grants website access the online grant portal and review the program summary, guidelines, and FAQs.
Over $450,000 in total grant funding is available!
Eligible entities may be awarded up to $15,000 for programs, capacity building, land acquisition, and capital projects that increase access to recreation, parks, and open space in underserved communities.
Eligible entities include:
Tribal organizations serving residents of King County
Non-profit organizations (and organizations with a fiscal sponsor)
Cities and towns in King County
King County (projects serving residents in unincorporated areas)
4Culture's Landmark Capital grant supports projects focusing on the stabilization or restoration of historic building fabric, repair or replacement of essential building systems, or the restoration of historically significant landscapes. Organizations can apply for up to $30,000.
Through this grant -- which has no deadline -- 4Culture awards amounts up to $1,500 to cultural doers serving underserved populations across the county. Artists and arts groups operating outside of Seattle and those working in Heritage and Preservation anywhere in King County may apply.
King County has allocated $7 million of its federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding to support King County families with the cost of their child care. Eligible families may receive financial assistance to pay for their child care at eligible providers.
Best Starts is seeking to partner with community organizations that will support young people in leading a communications campaign to reach their peers. The goal of the Youth Communications campaign is to promote social, emotional, and mental health while reducing stigma associated with mental health and connecting young people to culturally relevant resources.
To apply, please visit this link. The application closes on September 16th.
Community-Led Data RFP
Do you want to gather your own data to help Best Starts for Kids understand your community(s)? If so, this RFP is for you! Community-Led Data will fund partners to collect data using your own processes that will help us understand and evaluate what’s changing for families. Our goal is to gather culturally specific knowledge, experiences and expertise related to key Best Starts indicators that are publicly reported. We will work with partners to build capacity to collect, analyze, and communicate data.
To apply, please visit this link. The application closes on September 16th.
Upcoming Grants
There are some additional opportunities that will be opening this month. Details are limited so please continue checking the links below (in the "upcoming opportunities" section) for more information as the applications are released:
Help Me Grow (opens August 17th): Help Me Grow King County (HMGKC) aims to understand how best to connect families and communities to services and adapt the national Help Me Grow model.
Communities of Opportunity Systems and Policy Change RFP (opens August 17th): This RFP will support community-led projects to transform systems and policies to decrease and prevent continued inequity in low-income communities and communities of color in King County.
Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy in 2021: Read the Annual Report
In its fourth year, the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) focused on filling service gaps in innovative ways, fine tuning programs disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and maximizing the levy’s impact by fostering partnership and coordination among providers. In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions continued to present challenges for VSHSL partners. Some pivoted services to support vaccination efforts, collaborating with each other and other human services organizations to help vaccinate King County’s most vulnerable people.
We are proud to share the 2021 Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy annual report. The report highlights the innovative programs, community stories, and data driven impact on King County’s communities. Read and explore the annual report.
Alternatives to Violence Project Facilitator
The Alternatives to Violence Project has been doing violence prevention and reduction for 47 years and in over 60 countries. You can read about AVP here. They have full scholarships for training up to 20 people and a $500 stipend for those who complete the training.
In partnership with the Black Women’s Coalition to End Violence and King County, they are looking to train a group of new Alternatives to Violence Facilitators for the area. Full training would normally cost $1,000. Because of grants they are able to make it free. On graduation, you will be eligible to join facilitation teams and be paid as much as $1,000 per 3-day workshop.
If you are interested, sign up here for more information.
Skyway Affordable Housing and Early Learning Center
LIHI and nonprofit Childhaven are developing a mixed-use rental project called the Skyway Affordable Housing and Early Learning Center on three undeveloped parcels at 12712 Renton Ave. S. in Skyway. The project is envisioned as a five-story building with 60-70 apartment units for families and singles over a ground floor childcare and early learning center.
LIHI will manage the affordable housing, which is likely to be subsidized permanent affordable housing for renters in the 30%-50% AMI range. Childhaven will run the early learning center, which could serve up to 120 kids in four or five classrooms.
For more information, please visit the article link here.
There are a number of vacancies on the Citizens’ Elections Oversight Committee, including one for the Vietnamese speaking community. The next round of applications closes on Friday, September 2nd. The application and information about the CEOC can be found at their website.
Health through Housing Advisory Committee
King County is seeking nominations for our Health through Housing Advisory Committee.
Health through Housing is King County’s initiative to create, operate and maintain 1,600 units of emergency and permanent supportive housing for King County residents who are experiencing or at risk of chronic homelessness as well as to reduce racial/ethnic disproportionality among the population experiencing chronic homelessness. The Advisory Committee will work to advise the King County Council and Executive on current and future implementation, review data to assess the initiative’s impact, and report annually on HTH.
If you think you’d be a good fit or know someone who might be, please nominate yourself or them by August 21st! More information on the responsibilities and process is available here.
Help us grow our reach!
My team and I send email updates like the one you’re currently reading every couple of weeks and we want to ensure we’re reaching as many of you in our community as possible. If you know anyone who would like to receive these updates, please be sure to send them over to our County Council website to sign up!
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