Category: Public Health
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New King County Data Shows Stable Housing Associated with Sustained Reductions in Jail Bookings
KING COUNTY – New King County data from the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) shows jail bookings declined nearly 27% in the first year after people moved into housing and continued to fall over time, reaching a 37.6% reduction within three years. An analysis of 5,371 residents between 2021 and 2025 found that 81% of residents with a recent jail…
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Executive Zahilay, Mayor Wilson thank Councils for confirming Dr. Sandra Valenciano as Public Health Director
Summary King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson thanked the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council for confirming their appointee for Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. Dr. Sandra Valenciano has served as Health Officer for the department since August 2025. Story King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson celebrated the appointment this week of Dr. Sandra Valenciano…
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King County officials urge extra caution on rivers after December flooding created new potential drowning hazards
Summary King County officials are urging residents to be extra cautious at rivers due to the historic December flooding that changed conditions and created new potential hazards in rivers throughout the region. Story King County officials are urging the public to be extra cautious on rivers this summer after major flooding this past December changed conditions and created new potential drowning hazards. They…
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Executive Zahilay announces new Executive Order to break the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration in King County
Summary Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a new Executive Order to boost affordable housing and shelter options throughout the region and better integrate behavioral health services to confront cycles of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. Story Today, Executive Girmay Zahilay signed an Executive Order to address the interconnected crises of homelessness, substance use disorder, untreated behavioral health needs, and repeated involvement in the criminal legal system impacting the health and…
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Appoint Dr. Sandra Valenciano to Lead Public Health – Seattle and King County
Expert medical and community health professional and current Acting Director chosen to advance public health services for Seattle and King County residents King County, WA — Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano to serve as the Director of Public Health – Seattle and King County. Dr. Valenciano currently serves as Acting Director for the department. Pending confirmation by both the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council, Dr. Valenciano will advance the department’s work to…
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Appoints Dr. Susan McLaughlin to Lead King County Department of Community and Human Services
Seasoned behavioral health leader and current Acting Director tapped to advance affordable housing, behavioral health treatment, childcare, and human services efforts for King County residents King County, WA — Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay appointed Dr. Susan McLaughlin to serve as the Director of the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Dr. McLaughlin currently serves as the department’s Acting Director. Dr. McLaughlin will lead the department tasked…