Partnering on Youth Mental Health
Dear Neighbor,
Happy 2023! As we usher in a new year, your King County government remains hard at work addressing the needs of our community.
One challenge that continues to increase in severity these last few years is the prevention and treatment of mental health-- especially among youth.
Last month I was honored to join the Sounder's FC at Renton High School as they announced a new partnership with Providence Health. Through this new relationship, Providence and the Sounders FC will work hand-in-hand with the Renton School District to provide programs and services focused on improving mental health for students, including:
- Implementing educational programs designed to increase awareness of mental health concerns.
- Increasing access to school-based mental health services for students.
- Normalizing the conversation about mental health, reduce the stigma that surrounds it, and promote available resources.
- Creating safe spaces for children to play.
- Providing sports camps that incorporate mental wellbeing curricula.
- Fostering a culture within local schools to help every child prioritize their mental well-being and be equipped to support their peers.
I was proud to be included in the ceremony introducing the start of this collaboration and am excited about the potential impacts this can have on the lives of young people in our community.
Joint private initiatives like this Providence – Sounders FC one and regional public partnerships are part of an ongoing, long-term commitment by our region to address the issue of youth mental health and adult behavioral health.
Zenovia Harris, Wins 2023 Larry Gossett Service Award
Congratulations to Zenovia Harris, CEO of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, on being awarded the 2023 Larry Gossett Service Award. This award recognizes an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the areas of racial equity, social justice and/or human rights.
I nominated Zenovia for this award because of her leadership in leading her chamber and others through critical equity, diversity, and inclusion work, including: increasing diversity in board member participation, revisiting and revising the chambers mission and vision statements, a series of internal evaluations and so much more.
Thank you Zenovia for your service to our community and making it a better place for all of us to call home. You can check out Zenovia's acceptance remarks here:
https://vimeo.com/788468082/e71ba50f9d
North SeaTac Park Restoration Walking Tour
Last month, I had the pleasure of joining the Washington State Conservation Commission on part of their conservation tour of King Conservation District (KCD) projects in King County.
I joined the group at North SeaTac Park where KCD and its volunteers have done several habitat restoration projects – including clearing more than six acres of invasive species and noxious weeds and have replanted thousands of native plants in their place.
Restoration projects like this help preserve our forests and open space – and enable native vegetation to thrive.
As always, I value your thoughts, ideas, and input. Please feel welcome to contact me via email at Dave.Upthegrove@kingcounty.gov.
You can watch Council meetings via livestream on the Council's website or on KCTV channel 22. We take general public comment on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
To learn more about testifying before Council go to: https://www.kingcounty.gov/council/committees/full_council.aspx
Sincerely,
Dave Upthegrove
King County Councilmember
District 5
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