As I reflect on the recent endeavors of Sound in the realm of government affairs throughout February, I am appreciative of the support and collaboration we've experienced. It's truly heartening to witness the strength in numbers, particularly with int he Fourfront Contributor coalition. Together with Compass Health, Comprehensive Health, and Frontier Behavioral Health, we stand united in our mission to advocate for the enhancement of behavioral health services statewide. We’ve coordinated our efforts with the Washington Council on Behavioral Health to address the most pressing issues we face.
In navigating the intricate landscape of behavioral health advocacy, we’re focused on societal and industrial challenges, from longstanding underfunding resulting in staffing short falls and lengthy waitlists to the complexities exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic and the opioid crisis. Yet, amidst these challenges, our resolve remains steadfast, fueled by our collective commitment to effecting meaningful change.
Recently, I had the privilege of engaging with state legislators in Olympia, advocating strongly for solutions that address the pressing needs of our communities. Among these solutions, Prospective Payment Systems (PPS) financing, integrated within the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, have emerged as a beacon of hope. These innovative approaches not only promise to streamline resource management but also empower behavioral health organizations to provide tailored, community-centric care that addresses the holistic needs of individuals.
CCBHC is an integrated model of care designed to ensure access to coordinated and comprehensive behavioral healthcare for everyone, regardless of ability to pay, residence, age or diagnosis. At the heart of the CCBHC model lies a profound commitment to equity and inclusivity, striving to bridge disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. As we continue to champion this cause, it fills me with optimism to witness the tangible impact that states embracing CCBHCs and PPS financing have experienced: increased client engagement, improved health outcomes, obsolete waitlists and a reduction in hospitalizations and incarceration rates. These outcomes underscore the transformative potential of investing in behavioral health—a ripple effect that extends far beyond the confines of our clinics, enriching the fabric of our communities as a whole.
Currently Washington state is evaluating the CCBHC model. Sound’s Capitol Hill, Bel-Red and Auburn clinics have each received a SAMSHA grant to serve as trial CCBHCs, and we’ve hired our first CCBHC Program Director.
As we embark on this journey toward a brighter future for behavioral health in Washington, I invite you to join us in our fervent advocacy for the widespread adoption of CCBHCs and PPS financing. Together, we can create a more compassionate and resilient healthcare system that uplifts every individual, fostering healing and hope for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Katrina Egner
Sound President & CEO
At SOUND Behavioral Health, we are inspired when young people step up to make a difference in our community. A group of students from Mercer Island High School —Levi Jones, Ronan Buckley, and Connor Flume — have done just that with their initiative, 988 Find Your Peace.Through T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, these students are helping normalize conversations about mental health and letting their peers know that support is always available. All profits from their apparel go directly to SOUND, helping us provide critical counseling, crisis intervention, housing support, and recovery services throughout King County.
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When SOUND clinician Marlene Andrews began volunteering at the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, she noticed something unexpected. The animals, many of them rescued or recovering from neglect, required patience and consistency to build trust – much like the people she supported in her work at SOUND Behavioral Health. That realization planted the seed for what would become SOUND’s Animal Sanctuary program. In partnership with the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, SOUND’s program is now a thriving part of the organization’s Child and Family Services offerings.
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Just a few short weeks ago, SOUND Behavioral Health welcomed more than 400 community members, partners, and supporters to Fremont Studios for the annual SOUND of Hope Gala — an evening dedicated to expanding access to mental health and substance use services across King County.
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