About the Crisis Stabilization Facility:

Who will use the Whatcom County Stabilization Facility?

Adults experiencing a crisis due to mental illness or substance use disorder who need a safe, supportive setting to stabilize.

How is it paid for?

The North Sound Behavioral Health Organization covers the majority of operating costs. Medicaid and state dollars fund the services. Managed Care Organizations, also known as Health Plans, will cover most of the expenses as of July 1, 2019.

What are the current challenges?

As the only facility of this type in Whatcom County with just thirteen beds, the current triage center needs more capacity. When beds are unavailable people needing treatment end up at the hospital, in jail, or back on the streets.

What is being done to expand capacity?

The new project will expand the current facility to 32 beds: 16 for voluntary crisis triage and 16 more for voluntary detox services. The increased space is expected to be about 12,000 square feet larger than the present facility.

Where will the funding come from?

Much of the funding will come from the Washington State Legislature’s capital budget. Further funding will come from regional sources, including $2.5 million from the North Sound Behavioral Health Organization. In total, the project is expected to cost approximately $9.5 million, which includes relocation costs of current services during construction.

Operations will be paid for primarily with public funds. The Whatcom County Behavioral Health Fund, which is a local sales tax fund, may also contribute to ensure seamless care and coordination upon discharge to the community.