SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Spokane County is proud to partner with the City of Spokane in supporting Maddie’s Place, a first-of-its-kind facility in Washington state dedicated to caring for substance-exposed infants and their families. This critical investment ensures that families in crisis receive comprehensive, compassionate care – at no cost to patients.
Mary Kuney, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, stated: “Maddie’s Place is a beacon of hope for families in our community struggling with substance use in our community. The increased support by Spokane County paired with our existing commitments, along with the investment by the City of Spokane, ensures that families with newborns receive the critical care and early intervention they need – helping them build a stronger foundation for long-term recovery and a brighter future.”
Maddie’s Place provides 24/7 medical care grounded in evidence-based practices for infants born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), while offering wraparound services for parents and caregivers. These supports include peer counseling, housing and resource navigation, transportation and food assistance, and guidance through systems such as Child Protective Services and the criminal justice system. While NAS rates are declining across the country, Washington state’s rates remain nearly twice the national average – with Spokane County experiencing rates more than three times higher. Maddie’s Place is uniquely positioned to address this crisis: it is the only facility in Washington, and one of just five nationwide, that provides housing and treatment for parents and their substance-exposed infants together. Since opening in 2022, Maddie’s Place has served more than 122 infants, with 95% able to remain in the care of their parents – a powerful indicator of the program’s success in promoting family stability and recovery.
Previously, the Board of County Commissioners voted to increase funding for Maddie’s Place, taking its contract from $594,000 to $750,000, effective July 1.
In addition to the increased Spokane County support, the City of Spokane has approved a one-time allocation of opioid settlement funds of $300,000, which will bolster the ongoing program partnership with Spokane County and Maddie’s Place and ensure this essential care continues. The combined investment from Spokane County and the City of Spokane is helping Maddie’s Place keep its doors open, after developments in the State Legislature introduced heightened uncertainty as to whether state funding for Maddie’s Place would continue. Since October 2023, Spokane County has provided $2,389,500 to Maddie's Place in support of its vital mission.
“This over $1 million funding commitment demonstrates a deep, shared commitment to addressing the opioid crisis with compassion, innovation, and a focus on keeping families together,” said Justin Johnson, Spokane County Director of Community Services.
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