The Thurston County Board of Commissioners this week voted unanimously to approve $1.2 million in treatment sales tax funds over a 19-month period beginning June 1 for six local service organizations.
According to a news release from Thurston County, these awards will benefit Thurston County residents with mental health or substance use issues.
To qualify for treatment sales tax funds, organizations must use evidence-based or promising practices that demonstrate consistent and effective help for people with substance abuse or mental health challenges to achieve their goals, stated the release.
Programs funded include the following:
• HeartStrides Equine Assisted Youth Peer Support — $106,240: Funding will expand a program that provides equine-assisted activities and therapies, recovery support, peer and horsemanship lessons for youth experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Providence Southwest WA Mobile Health Clinic — $406,727: Funding will support a mobile health clinic van that will go to a variety of rotating locations in Thurston County to provide outreach to unhoused individuals and engage them in coordinated care for mental health disorders, substance use disorders and co-occurring physical health problems.
• Peer Olympia — $120,742: Funding will support peer coaching for adults in recovery for behavioral health issues with a focus on serving individuals experiencing homelessness and veterans; funds will also enhance training for peers. Virtual and in-person services will be available.
• Family Support Center of South Sound Housing Support for Families in Treatment Courts — $298,394: Funding will provide intensive case management and housing search support paired with rental assistance to families with children enrolled in one of Thurston County’s treatment courts.
• Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council Preparation for Reentry Program (PREP) expansion — $205,000: Expands the current PREP services for incarcerated adults at the Thurston County Jail to serve more legally involved individuals with behavioral health needs and to provide peer mentorship and navigation services.
• Family Education and Support Services- Parents for Parents Peer Case Management & Support — $120,000: Funding will support brief peer case management and weekly support groups to parents in recovery and/or parents with behavioral health needs to aid them in achieving mental and family wellbeing.
For more information about the treatment sales tax visit: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/tst.aspx.
