SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – The Spokane County Community Services Department has been honored with two 2024 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizing excellence and innovation in county government programs that strengthen services and healthcare access for residents.
The awards spotlight two standout programs: the Spokane County Sobering, Triage, and Transition (STaT) Program and the Behavioral Health Transitional Support Program (BHTSP)—both of which play a vital role in Spokane County’s comprehensive response to behavioral health, homelessness, and the opioid crisis.
The STaT Program, operated by Spokane Treatment and Recovery Services (STARS), offers a safe and comprehensive alternative to jail or emergency room visits for intoxicated and Substance Use involved individuals by providing a secure space for triage and stabilization while ensuring connection to long-term community-based care. With nearly 80% of participants successfully transitioning to ongoing services and a recidivism rate of just 8%, the program has emerged as a highly effective model for early intervention. New investments from opioid Settlement Funds from Spokane County and the City of Spokane are expected to double its capacity, expanding its reach and impact in the community.
The BHTSP, operated through Volunteers of America (VOA), provides on-site, immediate behavioral health support and housing stability services at two local sites. The program serves individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness by offering wraparound support including therapeutic independent living support, skill-building, case management, behavioral health intervention, and community-based coordination. Through strong local partnerships, the program helps individuals manage behavioral health conditions while connecting them with stable, long-term housing options.
“These awards reflect Spokane County’s deep commitment to innovative, community-centered approaches help the residents of Spokane County and the Spokane Region access behavioral health treatment, and support their recovery and independent living,” said Justin Johnson, Director of Spokane County's Community Services Department. “I am immensely proud of the dedicated staff at the Spokane County Community Services Department and honored that we are helping set the standard for compassionate, impactful care.”
Both award-winning programs are key components of Spokane County’s comprehensive behavioral health and housing strategies, emphasizing prevention, recovery, and lasting change.