King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the appointment of Terry White as General Manager of King County Metro, the region's largest public transportation agency. White currently serves as Interim General Manager and previously served as Deputy General Manager. 

"I am honored to appoint Terry White to be King County Metro General Manager," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "Terry possesses a bold vision for how our transit system can lead with equity and prioritize service where needs are greatest. Across his remarkable 33-year career at Metro, he has unrivaled knowledge, insights, and relationships with the agency's communities, customers, and employees. Most recently serving as Interim General Manager, he is ideally suited to continue to lead Metro during the response and the recovery, and toward rebuilding a transit system that's even better than before." 

Read more in the official press release. 

Getting a flu shot this season is even more important due to COVID-19 

Winter brings with it darker days and cooler temperatures, but also an increase in respiratory illnesses, like the flu. With the risk of COVID-19 increasing as people head indoors, it is recommended to get a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of getting the flu, severe illness, and hospitalization. This helps minimize the need for medical attention and ensures hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices can care for COVID-19 patients and their health needs. 

Getting a flu shot is more important than ever. Not only does it prevent flu medical visits, but since it shares some symptoms with COVID-19, getting a flu shot can help avoid confusion, unnecessary quarantine and testing, and stress over potential COVID-19 symptoms. Read more.  

How to use telehealth for mental health 

As we move into the winter months of this pandemic, many people are experiencing increased isolation and stress, which can contribute to deteriorating mental health. If you or your loved ones are struggling emotionally, Balanced You wants you to know that you are not alone, and that professional help is available from the safety of your home through telehealth. For more information on how to access mental health support via telehealth, check out this Balanced You blogpost. 

Donated emergency leave helps hundreds of employees affected by COVID-19 

Employees across King County responded to the call to support one another during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating leave. As of November 13, nearly 285 King County employees donated sick and vacation leave valued at $774,687. Their generous donations have benefited more than 300 employees in need who’ve been granted 23,162 hours of emergency leave so far this year. 

Some employees have been impacted by COVID-19 more than others and exhausted their paid leave. Access to donated leave has helped them focus on recovering their health or caring for loved ones.  

“COVID-19 has been challenging for our community and our employees,” Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer for King County said. “I’m inspired to see so many generous individuals donate leave to their coworkers who’ve been impacted by these terrible events.” Read more. 

Old-school drop boxes make a comeback in COVID-19 era 

Drop boxes are a low-tech solution that fell out of favor in the internet age. But the Facilities Management Division (FMD) resurrected these relics from the past to serve customers safely while King County buildings remain closed due to COVID-19. In spring 2020, FMD installed nine new drop boxes in collaboration with Treasury, Records and Licensing, Assessments, and Metro. The boxes typically average 100-150 parcels per week, and that number skyrockets up to 350 parcels a week during tax season.   

“Yes, people still conduct transactions via the internet; however, there were no means for people who do not have access to computers to conduct business with the county,” Chris Stenger, FMD building Operations Manager said. “[Drop boxes] keep employees working and provide a means to keep the revenue flow going.” Read more. 

Learn about Medicare options, December 15  

Are you reaching Medicare age? Do you want to learn more about Medicare and your options as a King County employee? Sign up for Medicare 101, an upcoming seminar featuring guest speaker Jean Cormier, who will discuss Medicare basics. In addition, Jenny Stark from Regence BlueShield and Hannah Bachelder from Kaiser Permanente will discuss their Medicare Advantage plan options.  

This seminar takes place Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 2:30–3:30 p.m. Register here.  

Please note, attendance is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related. For more information, contact Carmen Johnson.