The Washington State Department of Commerce (WADOC) recently awarded Comprehensive Healthcare $338,650 to develop Crisis Stabilization services in Klickitat County and improve infrastructures. These funds were awarded through WADOC funds allocated to non-profit organizations working to increase access to behavioral health care in rural communities.
“Through this grant, we will be able to make improvements to the infrastructure of our buildings as we also improve the high quality behavioral health care every community deserves,” said Jodi Daly, Ph.D., President and CEO of Comprehensive Healthcare.
The funds will support Comprehensive Healthcare in their efforts to provide behavioral health treatment at their White Salmon facility where they will develop a crisis stabilization program connecting individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis with critical services. While plans are still underway, Comprehensive Healthcare is looking to implement what is known as the “Living Room Model”— a safe, comfortable and pleasant environment where individuals can relax and connect with trained counselors or clinicians. These rooms have comfortable chairs, a television, dim lighting and snacks available as well. Visitors are able to remain in this safe space for up to 24 hours.
“A model like this creates a safe and welcoming space with the intent of serving someone at the onset of a crisis so that they do not have to go to hospital. Our crisis professionals will be present, on-staff to help them where they are,” said Daly. This model offers a more comfortable and less restrictive stabilization option when compared to admittance to hospital emergency departments. There is also significant cost savings when compared to a hospital visit.
Comprehensive Healthcare will be sharing more information with the community as project plans develop. To learn more about Comprehensive Healthcare, call (509) 575-4084 or visit comphc.org.
The WADOC’s Behavioral Health Facilities Program grants establish new behavioral health capacity through acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction. These competitive grants were open to non-profit organizations, public entities, tribes and for-profit businesses. To learn more about these recipients or this grant program, visit www.commerce.wa.gov or click here.
