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

Today, during the scheduled September meeting, the Spokane Regional Board of Health (BOH) agreed to defer the decision on whether to discontinue or continue to step two of Spokane Regional Health District’s (SRHD’s) Treatment Services Feasibility Study. They have deferred to the October BOH meeting. This decision is regarding the possibility of separating Treatment Services from SRHD.

SRHD’s Administrative Officer Dr. Alicia Thompson presented the findings collected during step one of the three-step study. This included feedback from SRHD staff and clients, community partners, unions, and other opioid treatment services and programs.

• SRHD Employee Survey – 57 respondents
• Nine Employee Listening Sessions – 108 participants
• SRHD Health Equity’s Client Survey/Interviews – 114 respondents and two interview participants
• Three Virtual Townhall Meetings – 82 participants
• Two WSU Researcher Meetings – 13 participants
• Five Key Informant Interviews with Community Partners
• Two Listening Sessions with employee unions
• Four Interviews with other opioid treatment programs
• Better Health Together’s community input events

After hearing Thompson’s presentation of step-one findings, the BOH requested additional operational information about Treatment Services, including a business proforma to review at the next BOH meeting, scheduled for Oct. 31, 2024.

“I am very grateful to the community, the employees and clients who cared enough to provide feedback to the Board of Health,” said Thompson. “We have heard your concerns, and they will guide our work as we continue to gather information.”

You can find more information about the Feasibility Study at srhd.org.

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.