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Latest Blog Posts

Not enough words

The words “thank you” are inadequate to express my appreciation and gratitude to those of you working long days and nights and through the weekends to make sure our residents are taken care of and that the work of the County continues on as best as...
The best part of my week

I am very proud of how our community has responded to the Coronavirus outbreak. It brings us challenge after challenge, yet our teams work to find solutions time and time again. Our Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Emergency Management...
Uncharted waters

I love nautical charts. They give me a sense of confidence, imply adventure, and are packed with information describing the environment both above and below the water. Wrecks, rocks, currents, tides, harbors, channels – even magnetic deviation – it...
Where to get help during the COVID-19 pandemic

I continue to receive information about where to go to get help. Here are some other resources you may find helpful. Connie South Sound Outreach: Financial, Expenses, Health, Food, School Operation Plans/Meals, Employment and Health Care Pierce...
COVID-19 Temporary Care Centers

I have been in communication with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the County’s Emergency Management Director in addressing the concern people have about where to go if they have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not sick. We will be...
COVID-19: Keeping You Informed

The County is working in partnership with Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, the State Department of Health, the Governor, our local cities, our Congressional delegation, our local businesses, and non-profit providers. This only works if we know...
Human Services Response to COVID-19

My favorite meme right now says something like this, “What a year this last week has been.” I bet you all can agree. From hour to hour, let alone day to day, we don’t know what new challenge or obstacle is going to come our way. But I can tell you...
By the numbers until…

As we all try to process the COVID-19 outbreak, we are being inundated with numbers. One of the most impressive websites is the interactive map made provided by Johns Hopkins University (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). I watch the number of...
COVID-19 Update for March 20th

– Derek Young, Pierce County Council I want to start by saying that my heart goes out to the people affected by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. These are extraordinary times which can be stressful for everyone. But it’s also been inspiring to see...
The vote for behavioral health funding

It has been a week since the Pierce County Council failed to pass an ordinance to help fund services for behavior health. Now that my anger and frustration have settled, I am able to share with you some of my thoughts that I expressed the night of...
Census lauches today and Pierce County is ready!

I know we are all focused on COVID-19 (Coronavirus). It has dominated our work and disrupted our family life. I appreciate everyone’s dedication and commitment to serving the residents of Pierce County – they need us now more than...
Keep calm and wash your hands!

You may have heard that Vice President Pence stopped by Camp Murray on Thursday. I was very thankful for the opportunity last night to meet with the Vice President and CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield directly about our situation, our needs and our...
In charge of a city

Happy Leap Day! When you spend time with the Corrections deputies in the Jail, you hear them use the word “family” quite a bit. During my recent visit it was obvious they mean it. You know that feeling in your family that you are happy to pick on...
Building Systems Together

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Partners, It turns out that the adage is true – if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. I’ve been on the job for just over six months now, and what I’ve been most surprised by is the amount...
Local author and local history

I first met Judge Frank Cuthbertson in a year-long leadership class nearly nearly 20 years ago. I was (and still am!) impressed by Judge Cuthbertson from the start. Yes, by his intellect, but more by his heart. His compassion for his community...
Council Schedule Highlights Week of February 17th, 2020

– Derek Young, Pierce County Council Tuesday, February 18th, 2019 9:30 am Human Services Committee Connie Ladenburg, Chair Derek Young, Vice-Chair Dave Morell Douglas G. Richardson Marty Campbell Regularly scheduled meetings are broadcast live and...
Water, water everywhere

Record-setting rain has wreaked havoc on the Puget Sound region. Last Friday I spent the day with Emergency Management/Roads/Surface Water Management to see their planning and recovery work first-hand. We started our day at the Emergency Operations...
Your behavioral health is worth a penny

“Deja vu all over again,” an expression many of us have heard and used. According to Psychology Today, “Déjà Vu” is a common intuitive experience that has happened to many of us. The expression is derived from the French, meaning...
The same and different

The annual Point-in-Time count has been completed and the results are being reviewed and analyzed. While very important and key to helping us develop solutions, they are still just numbers. I go out with the overnight team to help ensure those...
In sickness and health

As I mentioned in last week’s blog, today’s edition was going to be about the Point-in-Time count of individuals experiencing homelessness. And, that was the plan, until this morning I heard a story so powerful that I decided to “stop the presses”...