Behavioral Health Advisory Committee

Purpose

The Behavioral Health Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Whatcom County Executive, via the Health Department, advising on general priorities for behavioral health programs, including substance abuse and mental health services. 

Meetings

Meetings are held quarterly in the County Courthouse, Conference Room 514, at 3:30 pm.
**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings are currently held virtually online**

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

The Committee consists of 11 members. Ten members are appointed by the County Executive, and one member must be a member of the County Council.
 
Current Membership Roster

Barry Buchanan             County Council member

Erika Lautenbach           Health Department Designee

Nicholas Evans              Substance Use Disorder Advocate

Bill Elfo                           Whatcom County Sheriff

Mullane Harrington        PeaceHealth Representative

Dascomb Jamison         Substance Use Recovery Advocate

Wendy Jones                 County Chief of Corrections

Chris Phillips                 Mental Health Recovery Advocate

Dave Reynolds              Judicial representative               

Michael Massanari        Mental Health Recovery Advocate

Specifications

All members are residents of Whatcom County. Membership must include one representative from:

  • PeaceHealth St. Joseph's Medical Center
  • Judicial branch of County government
  • Whatcom County Sheriff or designee
  • Chief of Corrections or designee
  • County Public Health Director or designee.

Additionally, the remaining five Executive-appointed positions shall include two people who are advocates of mental health recovery, two people who are advocates of substance use disorder recovery, and one behavioral health professional.

Vacancies

  • See the Vacancies List - currently there is one open position for a behavioral health professional

Term Length and Limits 

  • 3 year term
  • 2 consecutive full terms; 1 year separation required

Authority