This winter is shaping up to be a transformational time for behavioral health care in our state. In January Washington received a $1 million CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program planning grant from SAMHSA, unlocking essential funding to support the implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model in this state. This model represents a long-term solution for building a more effective and sustainable community behavioral health system in Washington, and I’m excited and proud to see Sound Behavioral Health helping lead the way in implementing it in King County. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the Washington Council for Behavioral Health for their dedicated leadership in advocating for the statewide adoption of the CCBHC model. You can read the full announcement here:
With the 2025 Legislative Session in full swing, we are prioritizing our advocacy work through the Fourfront Contributor coalition. Our primary focus is protecting behavioral health services from potential budget cuts. Shortly before the session began, I participated in a panel discussion about CCBHCs at the annual Washington State of Reform Health Policy Conference in Seattle.
I also participated in a week of outreach and advocacy meetings in Olympia this month with several key legislators and members of Sound’s leadership team. In meeting with our government officials, we first expressed our sincere appreciation for their continued support and financial backing of Behavioral Health issues in our state. We also acknowledged the challenges posed by the current budget deficit. Despite them, we were able to secure sponsorship commitments to propose funding support for critical Sound program initiatives which will help ensure that vital Behavioral Health services remain accessible to those who need them most. For this, we are truly grateful for their unwavering help.
I am optimistic that our awareness efforts are resonating with state leadership as we work to ensure improving quality and access for behavioral health care remains a top priority for our state. It has been a chaotic start to the new year. In these uncertain times, I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our community. We deeply understand the concerns and fears that recent political changes and executive orders may have created. Sound’s doors are, and will always, remain open to everyone. We stand firm in our belief in creating a space where everyone feels safe, respected, supported, and empowered.
In closing, I’d like to call attention to Sound’s recently updated mission statement: "Improving lives by providing equitable, recovery-focused behavioral health care for all in our community.
"Now, more than ever, we remain committed to that mission – and to building a community where everyone belongs. Everyone.
Please explore the many Ways to Give on the SOUND website. We are deeply grateful for your continued support of our critical mission.
Warm regards,
Katrina Egner
SOUND President & CEO
Earlier this month, on Suicide Prevention Day, our team hosted a booth at Southcenter Mall to share an important message with the community: suicide prevention starts with awareness. At our activation station, we provided resources and practical tips for recognizing when someone may be struggling and how to reach out with care. Engaging with visitors throughout the day reinforced just how vital small conversations can be in making a big difference.
Read more
This September, SOUND celebrated the power of partnerships in advancing hope, healing, and recovery. Highlights included the ribbon-cutting of the new ICHS Auburn Clinic, bringing integrated health services under one roof, and the launch of our SOUND Activation Station at Southcenter Mall to raise awareness on suicide prevention. We look ahead with excitement to the upcoming Sound of Hope Gala, where we’ll continue building community support for accessible, equitable care.
Read more
Earlier this month, we had the honor of cutting the ribbon and officially opening the doors to a new chapter of care in Auburn. In partnership with International Community Health Services (ICHS), SOUND's Auburn clinic is now home to integrated behavioral health, primary care, and mobile dental services, all under one roof. This collaboration is more than just a co-habitation; it’s a powerful step toward whole-person care that lowers barriers, makes services easier to access, and provides a more supportive experience for individuals and families in our community.
Read more
