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

On Dec. 5, 2024, during a scheduled meeting, the Spokane Regional Board of Health (BOH) agreed to defer continuation of the Spokane Regional Health District’s (SRHD’s) Treatment Services Feasibility Study. The decision to continue will be discussed at the December 2025 meeting. The purpose of the Feasibility Study is to look into the possibility of separating Treatment Services from SRHD.

SRHD’s Administrative Officer Dr. Alicia Thompson presented new information learned since the October meeting that could help address some of the operational challenges that led to the start of the Feasibility Study. These include:

• New discussion at the state level about the need for public health to provide direct services to improve access to care.
• Business principles that could be applied to the operation of Treatment Services while operating within a government entity such as the health district – such as establishing solid business metrics.
• The implementation of a new electronic health record (EHR) system in 2025.
• Financial reporting showing Treatment Services will end the year financially self-sufficient.

Due to this new information, Thompson recommended tabling the decision to move forward with the Feasibility Study, and recommended key areas Treatment Services would focus on for 2025 to help with making an informed decision in the future:

• Continue conversations with the Washington State Department of Health regarding their support of providing direct services within public health.
• Continue to work on patient flow, patient access, and team building.
• Identify key performance indicators and build them into the new EHR system.
• Develop metrics for management, supervisors and staff.
• Clarify processes through an improved method of implementing policy and procedure.
• Focus on employee engagement and satisfaction.

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.