$18M Headed To Mental Health Facilities In WA

WASHINGTON — Behavioral health organizations in five Washington counties will receive nearly $18 million to acquire, build or renovate eight facilities in five counties, the state announced Monday.

The $17.9 million in funding from the state Department of Commerce is part of Gov. Jay Inslee's five-year plan to improve Washington's mental health care system, aiming to transition from two large facilities to smaller, community-based alternatives.

Officials said grants were available to meet several needs, including civil commitments, enhanced services and more intensive behavioral health care. The grants announced Monday add to the $51 million approved earlier in the year in the legislature's budget. Five of the projects are in King and Pierce counties, with others funded in Snohomish, Skagit and Benton counties.

The grants will help cover construction, renovation and equipment costs and requires the recipients to maintain each facility for at least 15 years.

Here's where the money is going:

• Benton County – $2.7 million to Aristo Healthcare Services for the Tri City Nueva Esperanza project in Kennewick.
• King County
  • $1.1 million to Ajuso for the Ajuso House Peer Respite project in King County
  • $2.2 million to At Home Residential for the At Home Residential Enhanced Services Facility project in King County
• Pierce County
  • $2.2 million to Reliance for the Puyallup Enhanced Services Facility project in Puyallup
  • $2.5 million to Emerald City Enhanced Services for the Emerald City Intensive Behavioral Health project in Gig Harbor
  • $2.5 million to Reliance for the 3701 Professional Center project in Tacoma.
• Skagit County – $2.5 million to Unity Evaluation and Treatment for the Unity Intensive Behavioral Health project in Mount Vernon.
• Snohomish County – $2.2 million to #1 Heartsaved for the Heartsaved Serene Enhanced Services Facility project in Marysville.