Updated May 30, 2024

Kelli Hawkins, SRHD | khawkins@srhd.org | 509.324.1539, c. (509) 994.8968

Spokane, Wash. – Today, the Spokane Regional Health District’s (SRHD) Board of Health (BOH) approved a feasibility study into the potential separation of the Opioid Treatment Services (OTS) division from SRHD in order to better meet the needs of the employees, the organization and the community.

At the request of SRHD Administrative Officer Dr. Alicia Thompson, a feasibility study would assess the possible benefits and drawbacks of separating OTS, allowing it to operate outside of a government entity.

“The opioid and fentanyl crisis has everyone asking what else we can do. How can we make a greater impact,” said Thompson. “Treatment services has grown to where it is a direct service provider in its own right and must have the ability to be nimble and responsive to the needs of the community.”

In 1990, SRHD started the “methadone clinic” because there was no one else in the Spokane County area offering services to individuals addicted to heroin. Today, SRHD’s OTS continues to be the largest opioid treatment program in the state. However, there are now other programs offering the same services.

Thompson further explained the separation of OTS from SRHD has been discussed at various times throughout its history. Today, in April 2024, there are new developments that indicate now is the right time to conduct a feasibility study and investigate the possibility, such as:

• Additional opioid treatment programs in Spokane County offering the same services
• A different political and fiscal environment where there are opportunities for grant funding through the federal government that SRHD’s OTS is not eligible for without their own employer identification number and National Provider Identifier
• Established opioid treatment programs may be interested in helping OTS separate from SRHD while keeping services in Spokane County

Thompson explained, “The need for services in Spokane County is great but our ability to expand and grow is limited by the constraints of being a governmental entity.”

As a result of the BOH’s decision, a feasibility study will allow SRHD to examine all of the details necessary, assess its merit, ensure the outcome would benefit the community, SRHD employees and SRHD as an organization, and determine if there are other, private opioid treatment programs interested in the potential of taking on OTS. Community outreach and meetings with community partners will be conducted by Thompson as part of the feasibility study.

TREATMENT SERVICES FEASIBILITY STUDY FRAMEWORK

Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.