In mid-2016, Cowlitz County hired a consultant to perform a community needs assessment related to behavioral health services in Cowlitz County. The consultant engaged several local partners and agencies throughout the process. The consultant’s report details existing resources in the County, indicates where the service delivery system is overwhelmed, and makes recommendations on how to efficiently fill gaps in the system.
Before the end of the year, The County plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to address behavioral health system gaps with evidence-based or best practice programs. Proposals will be solicited to address the five key recommendations in the report: 1) Integrated and Coordinated Care Delivery System, 2) Affordable Housing and Homelessness Services, 3) Diverse Services for At-Risk Youth, 4) Jail and Prison Diversion, Prevention, and Reentry Programs, and 5) Behavioral Health Workforce Development.
“With the release of this RFP, Cowlitz County will be taking important steps to take care of its community by addressing gaps in our systems,” said Christine DesRosier, Director of the Health and Human Services Departments. The full behavioral health gap analysis can be viewed here: Behavioral Health Gap Analysis.