UPDATED: Human Services: 1) Redmond Community Court 2) Nonprofit Funding With Construction Taxes

Council discussed human services programs at their Committee of the Whole  meeting on May 17, 2022

Brook Buckingham, Manager of Human Services, said "it's difficult to receive one-time money to fund nonprofits because you don't want to scale up gaping and in operations, then be back in two years needing more funding."  Brook said she didn't want to invalidate the funding but it was a challenge.  Planning Director Carol Helland, agreed saying it was difficult to use the $2.5 million and suggested greater stability through budgeting.  One-time money is collected from taxes on construction.

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Community court participants must not have any violent felony convictions in the last five years; any pending violent felony charges; or a sex offender history.

A community court is an alternative problem-solving court. It differs from traditional court in that it seeks to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity. Its goal is to build stronger and safer neighborhoods and reduce recidivism.

Having court hearings in a safe, neutral and community-centered location (such as the Redmond library encourages the participants to stay engaged and removes the stigma associated with the courthouse. 

A community resource center is an integral component of community court. The specific services available at each community resource center vary by city. Examples of services available to court participants and all other community members, include:

• Substance Use Disorder Assessment/Support
• Mental Health Assessment/Support
• Public Assistance Support
• Housing Assistance

EvergreenHealth proposes $345 million bond for extensive seismic upgrades, a new critical care unit, and more

EvergreenHealth Medical Center

April 23rd, 2019 Special Election:   "One of the most critical components of the April 23rd, $345 million initiative are extensive seismic upgrades to the oldest areas of the original hospital built in 1972. While all facilities meet the building codes that were in place at the time of their construction, retrofitting those areas to today’s most advanced seismic standards will enable EvergreenHealth to remain a viable resource in the event of a catastrophic earthquake. Given the medical center campus’ geographical location, EvergreenHealth is slated by experts to be the most viable and accessible option for medical care after a catastrophic earthquake in the region.

A second component of the initiative is a modernized Family Maternity Center. Planned renovations include redesigned rooms to better accommodate families and provide space for advanced equipment and technology, an optimized layout that increases efficiency for provider teams, and an updated entrance and OB emergency department to offer a more comfortable environment for patients in early labor. Expanding the Family Maternity Center will also accommodate more families and laboring mothers.

The third feature is construction of a new Critical Care Unit (CCU) and relocating it to EvergreenHealth’s Silver Tower. Relocating the CCU to the third floor of the Silver tower will position it near other specialties that often coordinate with critical care providers, while also enhancing patients’ and families’ experience during their stay. 

The proposed ballot measure will provide $345 million over 20 years, which translates to an average of $0.18 per $1,000 of assessed home value per year over the life of the bonds. Thus, a homeowner of a $700,000 home in EvergreenHealth’s district would pay an average of $10.50 per month, for a total of $126 per year over the life of the bonds.  A $500,000 home would pay $91/year.

-- Kay Taylor, EvergreenHealth

To see the April 23rd Special Election ballot measure, "read more."
All ballots must be postmarked by April 23rd or placed in a drop box by 8 pm, the 23rd. Questions?  Call Laurene Burton at 425.899.2651

-- Evergreen press release

UPDATED 3/18: Vagrant cuffed near Banner Bank

Man cuffed near Banner Bank / credit B. Yoder

Last week across the street from my Banner Bank on 164th I saw three police vehicles lit up with flashers in the middle of the road,  What the heck was going on?  Someone coming out of McDonald's book store had the same question.  I took this picture from McDonalds.  At one time a 3rd police officer huddled over the man.  It seemed like an excessive display use of force.

The officers were lingering over and questioning this man for about 30 minutes.  A Medic may have stopped by.earlier.  He was cuffed -- standard operating procedures for liability?  It's possible they may have been waiting for Narcon to take effect but that's only a guess.

When the cuffed fellow was released he staggered over to me and offered his hand, showing off a bible. I shook the hand and washed afterwards.  His eyes were glazed, he was dirty, and looked sick, but was smiling. He staggered east on Redmond Way.  My thought was he was heading towards known homeless sanctuaries --Anderson Park, the woods behind Overlake Urgent Care, and the Target's western parking lot buffer.

I emailed Kent Hay, the City's Homeless Outreach Coordinator to inform him of this man and see if he could help him.  Mr. Hay responded:  "There are some new people that have come to Redmond that I have not met yet and I’ve been informed are in that area. I will try and make my way down there tomorrow to see what I may be able to do.  Allot of factors play a part in what help I can offer people. Hopefully he is open to changing his situation and we will see what plan we can come up with."

-- B. Yoder,  opinion

Evergreen Hospital Hosts Two Mental Health Care Forums Each Month - 54 turned out last week.

Evergreen Hospital
Meeting held in Phys. & Surg. Building, Tan 100.

Evergreen Hospital hosts two Mental Health Care Forums on the 3rd Tuesday at 7PM each month. 54 turned out at meetings last week.   

I report on the local governments of Greater Redmond, WA., which includes Evergreen Hospital.  The elected Board of Commissioners hold their Regular Meetings on the same evening, 6:30PM as the Forums.

This week, I took a break from my government coverage to visit the Evergreen Mental Health Care Forums.  I was totally surprised by the high turnout to these Forums.  Thirty-seven attendees showed up at "Nami-Eastside's" sponsored program on "Involuntary Treatment." The CHADD (*ADD/ADHD) Forum next door hosted 17.  It's unusual to find this kind of turnout at public meetings, especially for health topics. 

The Mental Health Care topic on involuntary treatment was quite interesting - and sad. Read More >>