September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month 

This month, as we observe National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month in King County, we’re highlighting the importance of mental health and wellbeing to our ability to live well and thrive. 

When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and profound effect on us. We can all help prevent suicide, and during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I encourage you to learn how to recognize the warning signs and what resources are available to help people in crisis. 

For National Recovery Month, we join others around the nation in celebrating the millions of people who are in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and people recover. Read more.

Celebrating National Recovery Month this September 

National Recovery Month is celebrated in the U.S. annually each September to promote access to recovery, celebrate those participating in services, and educate communities about how to overcome the barriers of stigma and discrimination. The theme for this year’s Recovery Month is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger.” 

In solidarity with this national movement, and to recognize recovery wins in our community, each year King County spotlights individuals and hosts activities that spread the message that behavioral health is essential to wellness, that treatment is effective, and that people with substance use and mental health disorders can and do recover.  Read more.

National Recovery Month is an opportunity to learn more about what King County is doing to support people with services that allow them to rebuild their lives after difficult situations. The internationally renowned King County Drug Court Program, started in 1994 and celebrating its 25th anniversary this October, provides multiple resources for people by combining those from the criminal justice system, substance abuse treatment, and other community services providers.  

We sat down with Mary Taylor, Drug Court Manager, to learn more about the steady growth and continued success of this amazing program. 

“This is a program within the criminal justice system that allows people charged with specific felonies to access treatment and other services to get their lives back together,” said Mary. “We’re bringing people back who may have lost their way.” Read more .

Reminder: Join us for Spirit Day, Friday, Sept. 13

Executive Constantine and his Senior Leadership Team are celebrating you and your spirit of public service at the first ever King County Employee Appreciation Spirit Day on Friday, Sept. 13. 

If you are on break or at lunch, join us from noon – 1 p.m. on the Administration Building Plaza for first come, first served hot dogs and veggie dogs from Al’s Gourmet Sausage and Catering, games, and a performance by the University of Washington Marching Band to put a little extra pep in your step. 

• King County Spirit Day 
• Friday, Sept. 13, Noon – 1 p.m. 
• Administration Building Plaza 

Panel Discussion on Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention: Sept. 25, 2019 

September is National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  

Join us Wednesday, September 25, for a panel discussion on actions and resources to support mental well-being and a mentally healthy workplace. The panel will feature representatives from Public Health, Community and Human Services, Metro Transit, and Human Resources, along with King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams.   

Through this discussion, we join others around the nation in celebrating the millions of people who are in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and people recover. We hope you will come celebrate with us.  

Be sure to mark your calendar: 

• Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 from 9:30 – 11 a.m., King County Administration Building, 5th Floor Training Room 

Please Note: This is a County-sponsored event and supervisors are encouraged to permit employees to participate, if possible. Read King County’s HR Bulletin regarding employee attendance at County-sponsored events for more information. Attendance is voluntary, and employees will not be compensated or receive overtime for attending. 

Supporting the mental health of employees 

Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness. It does not discriminate based on race, age, gender, ability or identity.  

King County and Balanced You support the mental health of employees in many ways. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one or trying to learn more, there are many tools available to you. Visit Balanced You’s website or check out this  Mental Health Resource Sheet for a list of community resources, counselor directories, benefits information, and more.  

Together we can learn more, change the conversation and continue building a stronger, more supportive environment for all. 

Pet of the Week: Slinky 

Slinky is a 4 year-old, female, shorthair cat (A524490). Her personality color is BLUE, meaning she is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. She may get nervous in new situations, so she is looking for a family who understands that she might need some time to warm up. Once she gets to know you, she is a very playful and affectionate girl! Slinky has lived with young children and other cats in the past and did not seem to enjoy them, so she would prefer a quiet home with no young kids or other cats. She has been diagnosed with a urinary tract disease and is still working on her litter box etiquette, so she will benefit from a special diet and a low-stress household. 

Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.