Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes resources for maintaining and improving mental health, staying safe, accessing WIC, and more.

Maintaining and Improving Mental Health

Isolation is hard on our bodies and emotions. It can worsen mental and physical health and trigger anxiety and depression. If you’re feeling lonely, stressed or anxious, check out this State Department of Health blog post for three ways you can take control.

Sound Transit Construction Begins on 320th

Beginning as soon as today, construction crews for Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension project will be demolishing a number of buildings on S. 320th St between 23rd Ave South and 21st Ave South. The properties include the former sites of Denny’s, Washington Federal, Sound Credit Union and the strip mall that included New World Market and Laser Quest. The demolition is moving forward under CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines for COVID-19. Even in times of crisis, government keeps working.



On Friday April 17th, I met with Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and construction workers at the Sound Transit 320th site.

Staying Safe at Home

Sadly, nationwide stay at home orders have led to an increase in reported cases of domestic violence, including crimes committed against children.

Intimate partner violence has serious health impacts for victims and their families, including fear, PTSD, mental and physical injury, and death. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1–800–799-SAFE, text “LOVEIS” to 22522, TTY: 1–800–787–3224, or visit www.thehotline.org.

Keeping WIC Accessible to Pregnant Women, New Mothers, and Children

During this challenging time, Washington WIC is here for vulnerable families. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The program gives families access to nutritious foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, health assessments and referrals.

Given recent employment changes and layoffs, people may be seeking WIC services for the first time or returning to services. WIC has the capacity to serve additional people.

People seeking WIC services do not need to visit a WIC clinic. WIC services are available by phone or video chat even when physical buildings are closed. To find WIC services in your area:

• Call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588
• Text "WIC" to 96859
• Visit ParentHelp123's ResourceFinder

Washington WIC has recently added many nutritious food options to help ensure WIC participants can find foods when shopping. WIC clinics can answer questions about these foods. Download the WIC Shopper app for more information

UW Medicine Data Institute Projections

On Friday, UW Medicine’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation released an updated COVID-19 forecast. UW Medicine’s models have been used by policy makers across the country to evaluate the ongoing COVID-19 response. You can view the projections here.



King County Case Update

As of yesterday, Seattle – King County Public Health was reporting 109 new cases in the County, bringing the total to 5,172, as well as 5 new deaths, bringing the total to 346 in King County.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Social Distance. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember