Public Health Updates
COVID resources
King County’s community level of COVID is still currently classified as low, although there are still over 300 average daily new cases. With so many fun end-of-summer activities, please do exercise caution to care for yourself and your community.
For up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the County, see the Daily COVID-19 outbreak summary dashboard. The links to the data by demographics and geography are on the same page.
View all County COVID-related Data Dashboards here, including vaccination rates and outcomes according to vaccination status
View the most recent statewide COVID-19 data from the state Department of Health (DOH).
The new booster that was just approved is specifically designed to protect against omicron variants, which are adept at getting past the protections of previous vaccines. King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin will address the public on Tuesday, September 6th at noon to cover the new booster and provide an update on monkeypox. That can be streamed here.
Monkeypox resources
Monkeypox in King County continues to increase. As of Thursday, September 1, 2022, there are 365 cases in King County. For the most up-to-date data and advice from Public Health – Seattle and King County, visit this page.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
This week at the King County Council
As this was the fifth week of the month, there were no regular Council or Committee meetings scheduled.
Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee
On Tuesday, August 30th, a special meeting of the Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee was briefed by the King County Superior Court on the implementation of state legislation regarding civil protection orders and the best ways to streamline that process. The committee also heard from Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Director-designee Allen Nance on the topic of in-custody suicides and his vision for DAJD. The conversation was very informative, though on upsetting issues. The committee also discussed a report on the restricted confinement of juveniles and the concept of a community-based countywide hate crime hotline and awareness campaign. A recording of the meeting is available here.
Next week at the King County Council
Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee
Next Tuesday, September 6th at 9:30 a.m., the Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee will meet to be briefed on two important topics, the first being an overview of the One Call Program with Crisis Connections. The second briefing will focus on the behavioral health crisis system needs and opportunities. Three proposed motions will also be considered focusing on supporting food banks, creating a behavioral health recovery champion award in King County, and accepting the second of two reports on the future of secure juvenile detention. To see the agenda or find information on how to call in, please join here.
King County Council
This week at our meeting on Tuesday, September 6th at 1 p.m. we’ll be considering a large number of actions that have already been discussed at the committee level. This will include the appointment of Allen Nance as the Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, a report on the criminal legal court backlog, labor agreements, and more. Check out the full agenda and find information on how to join the meeting here.
Committee of the Whole
On Wednesday, September 7th at 9:30 a.m., members of the Committee of the Whole, which I chair, will be briefed by Budget Director Dwight Dively on the County’s Covid-19 response and economic recovery. This will be followed with a discussion about the impact of inflation on human services contracts. Lastly, there will be a briefing from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Topics of this discussion will include the Safe Banking Act at the federal level, how pesticides in cannabis production are being regulated, retailer safety, and other overviews of LCB activity. We will also hear from the King County Sherriff’s Office regarding the newly formed Cannabis Safety Taskforce. To access the agenda and materials or get call-in info, click here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
The Regional Water Quality Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 7th at 3 p.m. In addition to the regular report from the Wastewater Treatment Division, it will also include three briefings. The briefings will focus on the draft template for select issue review, overflows at pump stations and other wastewater facilities, and combined sewer overflows. For more information on the meeting and how to join it, click here.
Annual Labor Summit
On September 9th at 10:30 a.m., the King County Council will be holding our annual labor summit to meet with King County labor unions. This will not be a televised meeting, but will be taking place downtown in the Chinook Building, room 123. A recording will be available following the meeting on this page.
County Business and Other News and Events
Funding opportunity: Lactation and Perinatal Support Services and Birthworkers’ Professional Development
The Best Starts for Kids Community-Based Parenting Supports – Lactation and Perinatal Support Services and Birthworkers’ Professional Development request for proposals (RFP) is now open! Community-Based Parenting Supports provides community-centered, peer-based services to pregnant people, families, and caregivers caring for children aged birth to five. This funding opportunity closes on Wednesday, October 12 at 2PM, please submit your application by then. For more information about eligibility and details on how to apply, click here.
Funding opportunity: Domestic Violence Protection Order Legal Services
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act funds, King County is seeking applications from organizations supporting people experiencing domestic and sexual violence through Domestic Violence Protection Order assistance, legal services and education. Since the onset of the pandemic, gender-based violence service providers have disclosed an increase in the frequency and severity of violence, and an increased demand for services. If you know of an organization doing this important work, I encourage them to apply. More information on the specifics is available here.
Attention all Discovery Park-goers
Due to necessary pipe replacement work at West Point Treatment Plant and to protect public health and safety, the North and South Beaches, the lighthouse, and nearby parking lots of Discovery Park will be closed on September 7th and 8th. The construction work will begin at 3 a.m. on September 7th. It is projected to be finished on September 8th and the parks will reopen as soon as it is finished. More information on the project is available here.
In the community
Paying a visit to New Beginnings’ Home Safe Program
Last week I was pleased to visit one of the locations where New Beginnings serves survivors of domestic violence through its Home Safe Program. This program provides shelter/bridge housing for survivors and children who have fled domestic violence. Many of their participants receive continued support and rental assistance for a year after moving out and into their own homes and regain their autonomy as they move forward. New Beginnings serves survivors in my district and all over the Seattle/King County area and empowers survivors and mobilize community awareness and action to end domestic violence.
I enjoyed sitting down with Home Safe Program Director Ginny Ware (pictured above) and Deputy Director Deleana OtherBull to chat about how the $15,500 COVID 8 from Veterans, Seniors and Human Services funds will help their organization provide services to survivors. I am pleased to have them serve in my district and other parts of Seattle/ King County.
Stopped by to see SightLife
I was very pleased to stop by SightLife last Wednesday and learn about corneal blindness and the work SightLife does to coordinate and perform corneal transplants, support eye-banking systems worldwide, and combat the development of corneal blindness. SightLife works 24/7 to ensure that donors are matched with recipients and supports them every step of the way. Plus, it is the only cornea recovery agency in Washington state. I’m also pleased that King County supported its work with $160,000 in 2021-2022 for a new communications center and $133,000 in COVID relief funds in 2020. Thanks very much to Noah Simpson, Andrea Crosson, Josie Noah, and Christy Cheever for showing Clara Manahan on my staff and me around!
Low Income Housing Alliance breaks ground on new tiny home village
I’m pleased to report that the Low Income Housing Alliance has begun to break ground on a new 28 unit tiny home village in Tukwila. The new facility is set to open in mid-October and will serve as an important vehicle to help people exit homelessness. As the Budget Chair during the 2021-22 biennium, I was able to assist in securing more than $3 million to develop tiny home villages in King County.
Remembering Jean Darsie
I am saddened to have learned that Jean Darsie, one of the founders of the Ballard Community Taskforce on Homelessness and Hunger and longtime advocate for people experiencing homelessness, passed away on August 27, 2022, after an illness. Jean played a larger role in working to end homelessness throughout the county and right here in District Four – she was a strong proponent of Ballard’s Urban Rest Stop. She will be dearly missed.
An afternoon visit at the Nordic Museum
Earlier this week, I accompanied U.S. Senator Patty Murray on her tour of the National Nordic Museum along with State Rep. Noel Frame, Executive Director Eric Nelson (all pictured above) and Tom Malone, immediate past President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. After the tour, Sen. Murray and I each received an autographed copy of a book written by the First Lady of Iceland herself, Eliza Reid, on the high-powered women of Iceland! It was a very enjoyable time in District Four at our world-famous museum located in Ballard!
Wildfire Smoke Preparedness
We are in wildfire season, and even though it’s been comparatively mild this year, it’s important to be prepared. When it does get smoky outside, the best way to stay healthy is to stay inside and keep indoor air as clean as possible. The Washington State Department of Health spells out the best ways to make sure you and your family are prepared here.
International Overdose Awareness Day
Wednesday, August 31st was International Overdose Awareness Day, an important time to remember our community members who have died of or survived an overdose, as well as raise awareness and keep future overdoses from happening. Naloxone, or Narcan, is a lifesaving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, and this year, King County is working with community partners to expand the use of this powerful tool to combat overdose deaths. More information on International Overdose Awareness Day is available here.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and serves as an important reminder of the importance of reaching out to each other and seeking support in times of crisis. Every year, far too many individuals die by suicide, losses that create deep ripple effects through the whole community.
Suicide has warning signs, and knowing them can make an important difference in the lives of people around us. This year, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is an important resource that can help ensure that folks get support in moments of crisis.
If you or someone you know are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for support. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center is a helpful starting point, as is calling 988.
Free interactive activities at the Gates Foundation Discovery Center
The Gates Foundation Discovery Center is now booking free, 90-minute workshops for middle- and high-school groups. The tours begin in October and can be focused on a variety of topics based on student interest. For more information about these free, in-person activities, click here.
White House Health Community Call
On Wednesday, September 7th at 2:30 p.m. ET, you can join the White House for a community call focusing on health. If you’re interested in participating, all are welcome and you can RSVP here.
Additional helpful and informative links
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. And you can click here to visit the archive page where you can find all of my previous enews updates.
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