Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine and members of the King County Council invested $1 million to provide flexible resources for engagement and outreach to organizations on the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak to provide language access and other resources.

Story

With an increase of false information about the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring King County residents have access to accurate and timely information about disease prevention has never been more important. King County is investing $1 million into outreach efforts, including nearly $800,000 in grants to help organizations meet community needs related to COVID-19, including: language access, health literacy, cultural sensitivity, community and ethnic media outreach and anti-bias and stigma resources.

“King County must present information and resources in an understandable and accessible way - linguistically and culturally responsive, and using formats that ensure people can make well-informed decisions during this pandemic,'' said Executive Constantine. “Our Executive Office of Equity and Social Justice is working closely with public health experts to translate vital information and make resources available across our diverse community.”

“It is vital to provide prompt, accurate information in as many languages as possible in order to save lives and keep all of us safe. I’m proud that King County is investing in efforts to ensure all communities across our county are safe and informed,” said Councilmember Dave Upthegrove.

The Office of Equity and Social Justice Community Response Fund Committee, comprised of community based advisors, members of the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission, and County Executive and County Council staff, applied a scoring process focused on the following areas: unique community served, language access, health literacy, awareness, and outreach, communities located near isolation, quarantine, and recovery facilities, anti-bias and stigma response. The community-based organizations and ethnic media outlets listed below will provide a wide range of those services based on these criteria.

Relevant links

• List of award recipients
• Office of Equity and Social Justice

Quotes

King County must present information and resources in an understandable and accessible way - linguistically and culturally responsive, and using formats that ensure people can make well-informed decisions during this pandemic. Our Executive Office of Equity and Social Justice is working closely with public health experts to translate vital information and make resources available across our diverse community.

It is vital to provide prompt, accurate information in as many languages as possible in order to save lives and keep all of us safe. I’m proud that King County is investing in efforts to ensure all communities across our county are safe and informed.

For more information, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537