Mental health crisis center proposed
Kitsap Sun (Bremerton, WA)Apr 20, 2014
"We see these people repeatedly, time and time again," said
They don't meet the requirements for intake at
"We drop them off at the hospital, and basically they are out and about before the officer gets back to
Mental health and substance abuse treatment advocates, law enforcement and family members of those in the throes of crisis have long clamored for a better way.
And as the county considers programs on which to spend a new source of tax money for mental health services,
Called a crisis triage stabilization center, the facility would have 16 beds and serve about 2,300 people a year. People could stay up to five days for screening, assessment and treatment. Police could refer people to the center, but so could some health care professionals. It would not function as a walk-in facility or a shelter.
Estimates of the facility say it will cost about
Although
The tax is one-tenth of one percent, or a penny on a
A citizen advisory panel will review applications and make recommendations to the commissioners
Although county commissioners have noted the triage center is a priority, it will compete with other proposals.
"I think it's going to be difficult to decide," Washburn said. "There are a lot of good proposals that have come forward. And they are all worthy."
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