Quote of the Week
“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.”
– Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)
 Public Health reports first pediatric flu death
Public Health – Seattle & King County has reported the first pediatric flu death of this flu season. Our community shares in this loss and wishes them peace and comfort. This tragic loss comes on top of a steep and unprecedented rise in illnesses and hospitalizations in King County.
Children, people of any age with underlying medical conditions, pregnant people, and people over 65 years are most vulnerable to serious complications of the flu. It’s an important time to get the seasonal flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 booster and help prevent further spread of illness by staying home when sick.
Celebrate safely this holiday season
As hospitals continue to operate at high capacity and respiratory viruses become increasingly prevalent during this time of year, it is important to evaluate critical health needs and utilize preventative measures as we prepare to gather during the holiday season. To help lower the risk of contracting viruses or spreading illness, the Washington State Department of Health recommends these tips:
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated settings to reduce the chance of getting sick or spreading viruses.
- Everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19 to lower risk of transmission and serious illness.
- If you or a member of your family are sick, stay home and use the appropriate level of care necessary.
-
Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose, which are where viruses commonly enter the body.
- Consider taking a COVID-19 test prior to gathering, especially if you are getting together with people who are older, immunocompromised, or at risk for severe disease.
-
Practice food safety by washing your hands, keeping foods at the correct temperature, preparing foods correctly, and disinfecting surfaces.
COVID resources
King County’s community level of COVID remains currently classified as low, although there are still about 198 daily new cases, according to the most recent reports. Please continue to exercise caution throughout each day to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/covid for important updates or see the COVID-19 Resources Guide on the Office of Equity and Social Justice webpage.
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. And you can also view the most recent statewide COVID-19 data from the state Department of Health (DOH).
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has created a blog at dchsblog.com to share various important insights and stories. Subscribe to stay up to date.
If you’ve waited to get your COVID-19 booster, now is the time to get it! It’s the single most important way for everyone to avoid serious COVID infections and long COVID, and especially for people over age 50 or those who have a weakened immune system or health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are FREE. No health insurance or proof of citizenship is needed. Check your local pharmacy or contact your healthcare provider to see if they have the updated booster shots. For more information and locations: kingcounty.gov/vaccine
Medicare covers up to eight over the counter COVID-19 tests each month, at no cost to you. See this page for more information on and to request your at-home tests today.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in young children. RSV can be serious, though, especially for infants and older adults. It is the most frequent cause of lower respiratory (lung) infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in children under 1 year of age. Public Health – Seattle & King County has provided a fact sheet for parents to see assess their child’s symptoms, learn risk factors and treatments, and instructions on how to reduce its spread. For more information on the virus, symptoms, and care can be found on the CDC website.
For the latest RSV research and surveillance, click here.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
US renews push for COVID boosters as data show they protect – Associated Press
Coronavirus variants are dodging antibody treatments. New lab-made options may help. – The Washington Post
Highline Public Schools looks for new solutions to clean air in classrooms – KOMO News
A tripledemic hurricane is making landfall. We need masks, not just tent hospitals – STAT News
What families can do to avoid the RSV surge ahead of the holidays – NPR
A year after the omicron surge, officials see a reduced COVID threat this winter – The Seattle Times
 Because of a shortened week with the Thanksgiving holiday, the Council’s meeting schedule for the week was limited. And as next week is the fifth week of the month, no official Council or committee meetings are scheduled, although I will be working offline all week.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole which I chair met on Monday at which we received a briefing concerning a Board of Health nonelected member candidate selection, as well as took action on a county policy for the procurement of compost, amendments to the 2021 King County Countywide Planning Policies, and the Siler Ridge Water Annexation for the purpose of water service. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
Full Council
 Director Will Daugherty spoke on the recognition of the 60th Anniversary of the Pacific Science Center at the King County Council meeting on Tuesday.
The King County Council met yesterday at which we recognized the 60th Anniversary of the Pacific Science Center. The Center is much more than a physical facility in my district, dramatically so. The Pacific Science Center began as the United States Science Exhibit during the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, with nearly 7 million people visiting the Science Exhibit between April 21 and October 21, 1962. And on October 22, 1962, the Science Exhibit became the private not-for-profit Pacific Science Center, the first institution in the United States founded as a science and technology center. Pacific Science Center has grown to be the largest provider of informal science learning in Washington State, igniting curiosity and fueling a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking. It directly reaches students in every district of King County and the State of Washington through their schools, libraries, and community centers. It provides virtual field trips, Science on Wheels, and Access Memberships to every King County district. For 60 years, the Center has provided our region’s youth with countless experiences that mix excitement and exploration with education. And because of our support, the Pacific Science Center is continuing to lead the way into the future of science and technology for countless decades to come. I was very pleased to have introduced this recognition to such an important educational facility in my district. The Center’s President and CEO Will Daugherty spoke about the hugely exciting new programs being offered remotely for students and teachers.
The Council also took action on our state legislative agenda, as well as on proposed ordinances concerning a one-year moratorium prohibiting the acceptance of applications for the establishment of new or expansion of existing wineries, breweries, distilleries and remote tasting rooms. We also approved proposed ordinances concerning authorizing the King County Executive to execute an interlocal agreement with Pierce County, and another with Seattle and Tukwila and the Port of Seattle. And we confirmed a new alternate member to the King County Board of Health. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
 New station will better protect Duwamish River and Puget Sound during rainstorms
King County’s Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment will be complete just in time for the upcoming rainy season. Heavy rains can cause sewer pipes to overflow, sending polluted runoff into the Duwamish River. This station is one of the county’s largest capital projects and is prepared to better protect the Duwamish River and Puget Sound from stormwater pollution, treating up to 70 million gallons of polluted stormwater per day during severe rainstorms, which are occurring more frequently due to climate change. Click the image to watch a short informational video on the treatment station, and click here to read more.
 Community Health Worker Training Sponsorship
Public Health – Seattle & King County is offering sponsorship to organizations with community health worker staff or volunteers to offset organizations’ cost for their participation in Washington Department of Health Core Competency Training, Washington Department of Health Continuing Education Health Specific Modules (HSMs), and King County CHW-CARE. On December 1st at 10:00 a.m., Public Health – Seattle & King County will conduct one pre-application conference for this opportunity, at which interested organizations can learn more about the program. All applications must be submitted by August 31st, 2023. For more information on the program and details on the pre-application conference, click here.
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program
King County and the Office of Equity and Social Justice are looking to provide technical assistance and capacity building to community-based organizations and nonprofits receiving federal COVID-19 funding. To provide technical assistance and capacity building, King County has allocated $400,000 through 2022 to contract with organizations and businesses that have the expertise to provide services to potential applicants and grantees. Applications are accepted through the end of the year. For more information and application details, click here.
Emergency and Unforeseen Funds
4Culture's Emergency and Unforeseen grants meet a wide variety of unexpected facility needs for cultural organizations, and their funds are available for actual costs incurred to repair or renovate cultural spaces. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information and application details, click here.
 New crisis line is first in the nation dedicated to serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities
The Native and Strong Lifeline is the first of its kind in the nation to serve American Indian and Alaska Native people. The lifeline is integrated into the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline system in Washington state. When people call 988 Lifeline from a Washington state area code, they will hear an automated greeting that features different options, now including the option to be connected to the Native and Strong Lifeline. Calls are answered by Native crisis counselors who are tribal members and descendants closely tied to their communities. The Native and Strong Lifeline counselors are fully trained in crisis intervention and support, with special emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to healing. For more information. On the 988 Native and Strong Lifeline, click here.
President Biden releases statements on Transgender Day of Remembrance and the deadly shooting in Colorado Springs
 Over the weekend, there was another mass shooting, this time at Club Q in Colorado Springs, with the shooter killing five and injuring 19. The violence at what many consider a place of safety, where members of the LGBTQI+ can be themselves without judgement, is rooted in nothing but hatred. We desperately need significant gun reform, to make sure that violent weapons are kept out of the hands of those who seek to kill. And we also desperately need connection with each other to fight ignorance with knowledge, empathy, and understanding. I stand with the LGBTQI+ community as we grieve this loss and commit to continue doing what I can to support gun reform and cultivate a culture of openness and understanding.
On Sunday, President Biden released a statement on the dreadful hate violence which the LGBTQI+ community has faced in recent years. The President said, “There is no place for violence, hatred, and bigotry in America. Yet, tragically, as last night’s attack in Colorado Springs reminds us, too many LGBTQI+ people in the United States—and around the world—continue to face unconscionable attacks. This is especially true for transgender Americans. On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the 32 transgender Americans known to have been taken from us this year by horrific acts of brutality. The true toll is likely much higher, with Black and brown transgender women disproportionately targeted.” Of the Colorado Springs shooting, President Biden remarked, “… yet another community in America has been torn apart by gun violence. More families left with an empty chair at the table and hole in their lives that cannot be filled. When will we decide we’ve had enough? We must address the public health epidemic of gun violence in all of its forms. Earlier this year, I signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly three decades, in addition to taking other historic actions. But we must do more. We need to enact an assault weapons ban to get weapons of war off America’s streets.”
View these links for President Biden’s full statements on Transgender Day of Remembrance and Deadly Shooting in Colorado Springs.
A devastating loss
Last week, one of our own – a deputy in the King County Sheriff’s Office -- suffered a tragic loss. Records Management Specialist Mary Wesolowicz and her husband were both shot in an unprovoked attack in the parking garage of the Westfield Southcenter Mall. Mary was shot in the hand and her husband died at the scene. This is an absolutely devastating loss, and I send my deepest condolences and support to Mary and her family at this time. As a community, we grieve Mary’s loss with her and condemn these senseless acts of gun violence.
 A visit to Path with Art
 I am joined by some of the Path with Art staff and participating artists while presenting a “big check” to Path with Art.
On Friday, I was pleased to stop by Path with Art at its new location near the Seattle Center. Path with Art is an organization that utilizes a wide range of therapeutic arts practices to support people recovering from homelessness, addiction, and other trauma. Several of PwA’s participants eloquently testified to the Council in recent weeks on the transformative influence of therapeutic art programs on their lives. I am so very pleased that I was able to secure a $200,000 grant for the organization in the 2023-2024 biennial budget to support its work. From the veterans’ choir to the “found fashion” runway, and everything in between, I am in awe of the creativity and resilience of PwA participants. Thank you, CEO Holly Jacobson and your staff, for all your work in inspiring individuals in need!
A moment of inspiration
Several organizations across Seattle are volunteering their time to serve warm Thanksgiving meals this week to the general public and homeless residents across King County. Among them are the Alajawan Brown Foundation, Bread of Life Mission, Church on The Ave, Community Lunch on Capitol Hill, OSL, Ronald Commons Café, Queen Anne Food Bank, and many more. For more information on the organizations and where to find them on Thanksgiving, click on The Seattle Times article here.
Helpful and informative links
Revitalization of Seattle waterfront takes shape after more than a decade of construction – Puget Sound Business Journal
UW Students Hope To Popularize Harm Reduction On Their Campus – Seattle Medium
More US adults carrying loaded handguns daily, study finds – UW News
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.
|
