People want more mental health and substance abuse help. Here's when that will happen.
Bellingham HeraldMar 04, 2018
"Finally, we've reached the goal," said
The project to expand
People can learn about it at a
The existing center helps stabilize five people who are suffering a mental health crisis, and eight people withdrawing from drugs and/or alcohol. Both services share a building, although different organizations run them.
It is smaller and often full, so the expansion is needed to provide services to more people who would otherwise end up in jail, the hospital emergency room or back on the streets, officials said.
The need for a larger center was identified back in 2009, and is a priority of the
"It will also improve our ability to divert individuals from jail and into this treatment facility when it is the more appropriate response," Deacon said.
Having more space will allow for a greater range of treatment, including acute detox services for clients who may have complications because of withdrawal.
Construction costs will be paid with
It could start by the end of the 2018, and the expanded center could open by late spring or early summer of 2019.
There have been stops and starts over the years because of funding issues, according to Deacon.
"This is not an inexpensive service. It's certainly a more humane way to treat people," she added. "It's effective and it's the right thing to do."
People getting treatment would be at the center on a voluntary basis.
State Medicaid dollars are expected to help pay for its operations.
More on the project is online at whatcomcounty.us/2075/Crisis-Triage-Center.
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