By Kameco Marquez
The Thurston County County Commission (BOCC) is formally supporting proposals from the new crisis care facility Connections Health Solutions.
The facility is expected to provide immediate care access and timely treatment options for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
In a letter sent to the Washington Department of Commerce’s Behavioral Health Facilities Program, Commissioner Carolina Media and Rachel Grant approved a bid for state funding under the Arizona-based organization under the Trueblood Phase 3 Propectals (RFP).
Mejia confirmed at the BOCC check-in meeting on February 26th that the facility will provide short-term stabilization for individuals in crisis. It also helps to reduce the burden on emergency rooms (ERs) and law enforcement agencies.
“This is not signing up to us for anything. …It’s just a letter of support they ask for that fund,” Mezia revealed.
She emphasized that the county is not financially or administratively linked to the operation of the facility.
The planned facility will operate in 16 beds and will offer walk-in access and emergency drop-off options, the letter said.
County officials also warned of increased ERS tensions, where psychiatric patients often face frequent waiting times and limited emergency care options.
“Essentially, people are in the ER for behavioral health challenges, and they have to wait hours in the ER before attending… this would give people another option in place of the ER department,” Mezia said.
Connections Health Solutions has records of operating similar facilities in several states.
So far, the company has already set up a centre in Kirkland and is working on another centre in Snohomish County, Mezia said.
If approved, Thurston County will be the latest addition to the state’s expansion.
BOCC Chair Tye Menser acknowledged the potential benefits but called for clarification.
“I think I support them, but connections are not a group I know very well,” he asked. “Is this what you and Commissioner Grant visited? What can you tell us about them?”
Mejia confirmed that she and Grant had first-hand experience of touring the facility with a representative of Providence.
“Providence also took part in that tour with us. They were also very interested in the Connections model, but based on the fact that they are not capable of handling this,” Mejia detailed.
Rather than requesting new state funding, Connections Health Solutions is pursuing financial support from the Standing State Fund, Mejia said.
The Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BHASO) reviewed multiple applicants for funding, but ultimately supported the connection as the most viable candidate, the committee member said.
“Three different groups reached out… there was one connection and two others, but they didn’t fully meet the requirements Baso has,” Mezia shared.
Commissioner Wayne Fournier expressed general support for the proposal, but requested that county staff be made clear whether they would be responsible for the project.
“I would like to be clear exactly that, if any, that responsibility lies on staff,” he said.
“My understanding is that this is purely Baso initiative and operation, and we are cheerleading.”
Mensah recalls the county’s previous attempts to establish a similar facility near the prison, noting that he has not achieved his original goal.
“It got me hooked up in it like we had no complete control over it and Intellectualcare was doing it,” he explained.
Mensah added: People will come in and they will be there for a long time. ”
