Centering community voices: Reflections on King County’s pandemic response

September 1, 2021.Reading time 20 minutes.

Photo of the authors, Tara Lawal and Jodilyn Owen, of Rainier Valley Midwives. The woman on the left is dark skinned, with glasses on her head, and is embracing another woman with lighter skin and glasses that is wearing a head wrap. The woman on the right is cradling a tiny little baby that is wrapped in purple fabric.

When COVID-19 hit our region last year, we saw immediately just how dangerous it could be for our clients. Rainier Valley Midwives works with pregnant people and their families to improve parent and infant health outcomes in the Seattle area.

Video: Dr. Jeff Duchin’s COVID-19 press briefing – August 27, 2021

August 31, 2021.Reading time 3 minutes.

During his August 27 press briefing, Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin provided context around “breakthrough cases” and how risk changes for vaccinated people compared to unvaccinated people. As shown in the graph above, in the recent Delta surge, the age-adjusted rate of cases among people who are not fully vaccinated increased from 7 daily cases/100,000 […]

How you can help prevent an overdose death: Tips for Overdose Awareness Day

August 31, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

As part of International Overdose Awareness Day, it’s a good time learn about the risk of overdose and evidence-based practices and resources that mitigate harm and help to reduce stigma associated with overdose and substance use.

In this stressful back to school season, use “layers” of precautions to keep everyone safe

August 26, 2021.Reading time 13 minutes.

Back to school often comes with feelings of nervousness and anticipation. However, families may feel even more nervous and concerned this year, because the COVID-19 Delta variant is circulating. From school requirements to precautions we all can take, here is what we can do to help ensure the safety of schools.

Reflections on King County’s pandemic response: Offering hope to our communities

August 24, 2021.Reading time 15 minutes.

Personal y voluntarios de la Liga Urbana de Seattle Metropolitano responden a la pandemia del COVID-19 mediante la distribución de recursos en todo el condado de King

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle has focused on supporting communities most in need during the pandemic — and helped Public Health develop a more racially equitable COVID-19 response.

New COVID Conversations video series asks community members, Why vaccinate now?

August 23, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

Still image shows DJ TopSpin wearing a striped sweater, a backwards baseball hat, and aviator glasses in the frame of a polaroid. Background is bright orange and text says "Why get the COVID vaccine now?" "The sooner the better." kingcounty.gov/vaccine

A new video series from Public Health, called COVID Conversations, features local residents Why get vaccinated now? The new COVID Conversations video series from Public Public Health—Seattle & King County features local residents having open, unscripted conversations about how they felt when they learned the COVID-19 vaccine was available, and how they addressed any concerns.

PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER