MEDIA RELEASE
(for immediate release)
July 21, 2022
OMAK, WA ---Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare (OBHC) is pleased to announce that it has received confirmation of funding from Beacon Health Options (Beacon) for a new Mobile Crisis Response Team. Beacon serves North Central Washington Regional Services area as the Behavioral Health-Administrative Services Organization. It is one of the entities with which OBHC contracts to provide behavioral health services in Okanogan County.
“We have been working with Beacon for several months on this effort and have received confirmation of their sustainable support that will allow us to develop and operate a Mobile Crisis Response Team,” said OBHC CEO David McClay. “This new program will expand our capacity for responding to behavioral crisis needs out in the community.”
The new Mobile Crisis Response program will be developed in collaboration with Beacon and key stakeholders, including law enforcement, first responders, county commissioners, and local hospital emergency rooms. “In addition to meeting our legal and contractual requirements for the funding, we want to be sure the program works effectively with existing emergency response and behavioral health crisis systems to expand availability and fill gaps rather than duplicating efforts,” said McClay.
It’s important to note that this new mobile crisis response program will not initially operate 24/7; hours of operation will be determined with input from the key stakeholders.
The new program is expected to roll out in 60-90 days. “Although that could be delayed,” noted McClay, who explained the shortage in behavioral health care providers sometimes makes it difficult to hire qualified applicants.
OBHC is currently recruiting for positions on the team, which will include a Mobile Crisis Response Manager and four Mobile Crisis Responders. The individuals selected for these roles will receive specialized training before responding to crises in the community. Application information can be found on OBHC’s website at www.okbhc.org by selecting the “Employment” tab.
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About Beacon Health Options
Beacon Health Options is a leading behavioral health services company serving one out of six people across all fifty states. They work with employers, health plans, and government agencies to support mental health and emotional wellbeing, substance use disorder recovery, and employee health programs that improve the health and wellness of people every day. Beacon’s multi-modal, insights-driven approach allows them to integrate social, behavioral and physical health solutions to drive improved outcomes for everyone they serve. By collaborating with a network of providers in communities around the country they help individuals live their lives to the fullest potential. For more information, visit beaconhealthoptions.com.
About Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare
Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare (OBHC) provides holistic behavioral health services that promote wellness and sustain recovery. A nonprofit organization, we are the largest and most comprehensive provider of behavioral health services in Okanogan County. Our professional, caring and compassionate staff members provide culturally relevant, 24/7 crisis response; mental and behavioral health counseling; substance/opioid use disorders prevention, treatment and recovery support; therapeutic court services; and information about/referral to developmental disability programs for community members of all ages, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender identity, disability, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, educational achievement or socio-economic status.
