NCW Region Develops Strategic Plan to Address Substance Use, Mental Health Disorders in Justice-Involved Adults

A strategic workshop held on May 13 brought together over 60 leaders from Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties to tackle substance use and mental health disorders among justice-involved adults. The event, facilitated by Connections Health Solutions, used the Sequential Intercept Model to identify systemic gaps in behavioral health and justice services. Commissioner Kevin Overbay highlighted the necessity of regional collaboration to enhance care for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. Participants created a detailed map illustrating the pathways individuals take through the criminal justice system, from arrest to community services. This mapping exercise aimed to pinpoint barriers and develop localized action plans for service delivery.

The workshop also reviewed strategies from other regions, which will be evaluated for inclusion in a forthcoming report. Approximately 80 percent of individuals arrested test positive for drugs, underscoring the urgency of improving access to care. The report detailing gaps and recommended steps will be released later this summer and posted on the Chelan County website.