Maleng’s advocacy inspires building name

Harborview trauma center named in honor of late prosecutor

A personal tragedy made Norm Maleng a life-long advocate for Harborview Medical Center’s nationally-recognized Trauma Center and inpatient facilities. The Metropolitan King County Council today approved the decision of Harborview’s Board of Trustees to honor the memory of the late prosecutor by naming the new inpatient building the Norm Maleng Building.

Maleng, who passed away last May, served six terms as County Prosecutor.

“Norm and Judy Maleng never forgot those at Harborview who reached out to them in their moment of pain,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, prime sponsor of the ordinance. “The name of the new facility recognizes Maleng’s untiring support for the staff who work inside that building and the help they provide to the individuals and families who come through their doors.”

“Norm Maleng left a tremendous legacy of compassion and advocacy both in the Prosecutor’s Office and in his personal work with trauma victims and their families,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “The work carried out in Harborview’s Norm Maleng Building will serve as a living reminder of Norm’s efforts in memory of his beloved daughter to bring hope, help, and comfort to trauma victims.”

“This honor could not be more deserved,” said Councilmember Jane Hague. “Norm Maleng was always an advocate – and never more so than when he supported victims of crime or of accidents. Naming a trauma center for him will ensure his memory lives on for so many.”

Maleng lost his daughter Karen to a sledding accident in 1989. Karen died at Harborview and after her passing, Maleng and his wife Judy became community ambassadors for the hospital. The Malengs would speak on behalf of the work Harborview does as a trauma center to help save lives after devastating injuries and to also help families heal following the death of a loved one. In recognition of their support, Harborview’s Board of Trustees voted last July to name the new facility, slated to open this summer, after Maleng. Today’s vote by the Council honors the request made by the Board of Trustees.

The inpatient expansion building (IEB) is located on the southeast corner of Ninth Avenue and Jefferson Street at 410 Ninth Avenue, directly across from the main hospital. The building houses eight operating rooms and additional inpatient beds, along with acute care, rehabilitation, and clinic facilities. The IEB includes an expanded Emergency Department, and adjoins to the existing hospital by a six-story bridge building spanning Ninth Avenue.