Public Health Presents: "Voices of Resilience" Documentary Grand Premiere Dec. 5 at 7th Street Theatre in Hoquiam

Public Health Presents: "Voices of Resilience" Documentary Grand Premiere

November 18, 2024, Hoquiam, WA – Public Health is proud to announce the premiere of the 28-minute documentary, "Voices of Resilience," which shines a powerful light on the issues of housing, homelessness, and the human experiences that inspire hope, recovery, and transformation.

Inspired by an outreach event in Fall 2022, Voices of Resilience shares the deeply moving stories of individuals who have experienced homelessness but have since found stable housing, sobriety, and a renewed sense of community. The documentary also features interviews with service providers who work tirelessly alongside these individuals, helping to support them in their journey of healing and growth.

Audience feedback from various community groups—including business owners, service providers, government representatives from the WA Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Commerce, as well as individuals featured in the film—has been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers have described the documentary as an uplifting and much-needed message of hope, particularly during the holiday season. The film underscores the successful elements that contribute to lasting, transformative change, offering a hopeful vision for addressing homelessness in our community.

We are excited to invite you to the Grand Premiere Screening of the documentary, "Voices of Resilience!"

Join us on Thursday, December 5th, 2024, for an inspiring evening at the 7th Street Theatre in Hoquiam. The screening will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A session with the documentary’s cast, including individuals featured in the film, service providers, law enforcement officers, and Public Health staff.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with those who have firsthand experience and those working on the frontlines to create meaningful change in our community. The event promises to be both informative and inspiring, offering a chance to connect with others who share the goal of making a difference in the lives of those affected by homelessness.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, December 5th, 2024

• Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Location: 7th Street Theatre, 313 7th St, Hoquiam, WA 98550

• Admission: FREE! Popcorn is on us. FREE TSHIRTS for the first 200 guests!

• RSVP: RSVP is not required, but it is encouraged through the following link:
  https://voicesofresilience.splashthat.com

Important Note from Theatre Management: To ensure the preservation of the historic theatre, please note the following:

• Only bottled drinks (soda or water) are allowed in the auditorium. No cans or open cups.

• Sticky foods such as cotton candy, candied popcorn, or similar items are prohibited.

This event is a unique opportunity to be part of an important conversation about homelessness, resilience, and the transformative power of community support. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this project, especially Rick Moyer of Moyer Multimedia, whose expertise made this documentary truly special.

We look forward to seeing you at this impactful event. Together, we can continue to build a more compassionate, supportive, and resilient community.

Local artist Billy Fisher’s design featured on the souvenir t-shirts

Attendees of the Documentary Grand Premiere will receive a free souvenir t-shirt that was designed by local artist Billy Fisher. Billy's mother is well known local artist Jenny Fisher. Billy graduated from Hoquiam High School and Grays Harbor College and was a longtime employee of The Shirthouse, where he created this artwork 14 years ago. Billy still volunteers his skills with the 7th Street Theatre among other local non-profits.

Media Contact:

Leigh Rowley, Public Information Officer
Grays Harbor County Public Health
360-532-8631
Leigh.Rowley@graysharbor.us
Healthygh.org

Grays Harbor County Public Health invites you to join us Thursday, December 5 for a documentary grand premiere at the 7th Street Theatre in Hoquiam. This free event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:00 p.m.

2nd Annual Health Symposium Recap

A day of learning, connection and new beginnings.

Dr. Carli Schiffner welcomed attendees to the symposium and to the new TulalW Center at Grays Harbor College. Dr. Herbie Duber, MD, presented on important health topics and Jason Halstead, Chief Operating Offcer of Quinault Wellness Center provided information on their services and upcoming expansion.

Four panel discussions took place on complex health issues facing Grays Harbor County:

Behavioral Health Panelists: Bobbie Berkey, ARNP, Director of Medical Services at the county jail and Nicole Newberry, Emergency Room Director of Harbor Regional Health.

Chronic Health Conditions Panelists: Rich Staley, Superintendent of Oakville School District, Addison Houston, climate adaptation strategist at Seattle & King County Public Health, and Brian Ritter, Fire Chief of the City of Ocean Shores

Early Childhood Panelists: Christopher Nesmith, Superintendent of Elma School District introduced us to Eagle Badge Books, Tovi McClellan and Gary Burris of the Child Care Action Council presented on early childhood education.

Thriving Economy Panelists: Kayla Dunlap, Director of Government and Public Affairs for the Port of Grays Harbor, Kyle Pauley, Chairman of the Board at Greater Grays Harbor, and Emily Robertson, Regional Labor Economist at the Employment Security Department.

During lunch the health department premiered the Voices of Resilience documentary and several members of the cast provided updates and answered audience questions.

The afternoon featured an interactive exercise designed to help attendees gain a deeper understanding of behavioral health support systems and challenges.

Chelsea Capoeman led a cultural awareness segment with music, story and student drummers.

The Grays Harbor County Board of Health is seeking interested and qualified individuals for appointment to the Board.

ATTENTION GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY RESIDENTS
NOTICE OF VACANCY

The Grays Harbor County Board of Health (“Board”) is seeking interested and qualified individuals for appointment to the Board.

The Board:

1. supervises all matters pertaining to the preservation of life and health of the people within Grays Harbor County;

2. enforces the public health statutes of the state and rules promulgated by the state board of health and the secretary of health;

3. supervises the maintenance of all health and sanitary measures for the protection of the public health within Grays Harbor County;

4. enacts such local rules and regulations as are necessary in order to preserve, promote and improve the public health and provide for the enforcement thereof;

5. provides for the control and prevention of any dangerous, contagious or infectious disease within Grays Harbor County;

6. provides for the prevention, control and abatement of nuisances detrimental to the public health;

7. makes such reports to the state board of health through the local health officer or the administrative officer as the state board of health may require; and

8. establishes fee schedules for issuing or renewing licenses or permits or for such other services as are authorized by the law and the rules of the state board of health.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Board, which currently consists of the three Grays Harbor County Commissioners, seeks to appoint four (4) non-elected voting members. The Board must select three (3) members from the following categories:

1. Public health, health care facilities, and providers;

2. Consumers of public health; and

3. Other community stakeholders.

“Public health, health care facilities, and providers” means the category of persons practicing or employed in the county or health district who are (a) medical ethicists; (b) epidemiologists; (c) experienced in environmental public health; (d) community health workers; (e) holders of master’s degrees or higher in public health or another field with an emphasis or concentration in health care, public health, or health policy; (f) employees of a hospital located in the county; or (g) any of the following providers holding an active or retired license in good standing under Title 18 RCW: (i) physicians or osteopathic physicians; (ii) advanced registered nurse practitioners; (iii) physician assistants or osteopathic physician assistants; (iv) registered nurses; (v) dentists; (vi) naturopaths; or (vii) pharmacists. “Consumers of public health” means the category of persons consisting of county or health district residents who have self-identified as having faced significant health inequities or as having lived experiences with public health-related programs. Persons with a fiduciary obligation to a health facility or other health agency as defined in WAC 246-90-010, or a material financial interest in the rendering of health services, are ineligible for membership under this category . “Other community stakeholders” means the category of persons representing the following types of organizations located in the county or health district: (a) community based organizations or nonprofits that work with populations experiencing health inequities in the county; (b) active, reserve, or retired armed services members; (c) the business community; or (d) the environmental public health regulated community. The Board must select one (1) tribal representative selected by the American Indian Health Commission. A tribal representative may serve in any of the three above categories if the representative meets the requirements of the category.

What is the application and interview process?

Interested persons are encouraged to visit the Board’s website at https://www.healthygh.org/boh, and to submit a completed application to:

Grays Harbor County Board of Health
ATTN: Mary Ellis
2109 Sumner Avenue
Aberdeen, WA 98520

Applications are due no later than August 13, 2024, at 4:30pm time PST.

May 20 through June 2 - Washington Deploys Statewide Seat Belt Enforcement to Save Lives

Washington Deploys Statewide Seat Belt Enforcement to Save Lives

Campaign calls attention to counties where seat belt rates are significantly lower than state norms

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) announces that High Visibility Enforcement patrols are active across the state to monitor for drivers who are not wearing their seat belts or do not have child passengers in the correct car seat. These emphasis patrols are running from May 20 – June 2 as part of WTSC’s annual seat belt campaign, which strives to remind Washingtonians that wearing a seat belt is one of the most important and effective ways to survive a crash. The campaign will pay extra attention to regions of the state where seat belt use was significantly lower than the statewide seat belt use rate, including Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Mason, Stevens, and Thurston counties.  A multi-jurisdictional seat belt patrol is planned between law enforcement agencies within Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Thurston, and Lewis counties for May 24-25.

Despite Washington maintaining a high seat belt use rate for many years, the number of fatalities and serious injuries involving people not wearing seat belts has increased to the highest number since before 2010. WTSC urges all Washingtonians to buckle up because it is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

“Wearing a seat belt drastically decreases the chance of dying or being seriously injured in a collision, regardless of where you are sitting in a vehicle. Airbags and other safety features are designed to work best when you are buckled up,” said Erica Stineman, Communications Manager, WTSC. “We are asking everyone to take advantage of this focus on seat belts to make sure everyone in their vehicle is secured safely, every time they drive.”

“We know that a vast majority of people in Washington use their seat belts, and we appreciate you helping us make the road a safer place,” continued Stineman. “Our hope is that this campaign will reach some of the folks who choose not to buckle up so we can get closer to 100% seat belt use across the state this year.”

Washington state laws require that everyone in a motor vehicle wears a safety restraint that is properly fastened. The fine for not wearing a seat belt or appropriate child restraint costs $136. More information can be found at the WTSC’s Together We Get There website. Child passenger safety resources are at wacarseats.com with materials available in seven languages.

Starting in June, van will bring exam room, vaccine clinics and supplies to rural areas

This article was written by Clayton Franke and appeared in The Daily World on May 15, 2024

Outlying areas of Grays Harbor County will see more access to health services starting this summer with the launch of a new mobile health van.

Set to arrive in early June, the van, operated by Grays Harbor County Public Health, will be equipped with an exam room, lavatory and other accessories to deliver mobile services like vaccination clinics, nutrition programs and more to rural areas, said Mike McNickle, director of Grays Harbor County Public Health.

Grays Harbor County Public Health A rendering shows what Grays Harbor County Public Health’s mobile health van will look like when it arrives in June.

“We recognized that we need to meet people where they are due to the distance from several of our remote locales from Aberdeen,” McNickle said in an email. “Add in potential transportation issues, and it was clear we needed to go mobile to better meet the needs of our community.”

McNickle said his department has talked with several fire departments about parking the van near their stations to act as a central location for people to seek services.

The van, a 2022 Ford with an added unit on a chassis, also comes with a blood draw chair, wheelchair lift, an awning and roof vents, and a dark green wrap on the outside.

The Grays Harbor County Board of Commissioners earlier this month authorized $140,000 for the purchase of the van, including $50,000 in previously approved American Rescue Plan Act funding and $90,000 in Foundational Public Health Funding. McNickle said purchasing the slightly used 2022 model was about $80,000 cheaper than a new van.

Operational costs will be grant funded, McNickle said.

“Public Health is excited to finally be able to go to our more remote locations and provide services,” he said. “We are looking forward to better serve our community, and this is a huge step forward.”

Health department adds mobile health van | The Daily World

Opioid Settlements Allocation Amount Details for Grays Harbor County

Media Contact: Leigh Rowley, 360-500-4052

Pearsall Building, Aberdeen - April 18, 2024 - Grays Harbor County is in receipt of payments from the Washington state opioid settlement totaling $287,313.11 and is projected to receive an additional $1.7 million in payments through 2038.

Distributor Settlement Payments

From the Washington state lawsuit against McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen. Receipt of funds from the opioid settlements began in July 2023.

Pharmacy/Manufacturer Settlement Payments

In December 2022, Washington state joined multistate resolutions with five companies: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Teva and Allegan. Grays Harbor County is in receipt of six payments related to these settlements.

There are multiple lawsuits in progress, and the payments listed below reflect the settlements known to-date. There may be additional settlements in the future.

What services can be provided with this funding?

As outlined in the agreements made in the lawsuits, opioid settlement funds can be used for various opioid mitigation strategies such as the treatment and prevention of opioid disorders. Approved strategies for addressing the opioid epidemic include:

• Improving and expanding treatment for opioid use disorder;

• Supporting individuals in treatment and recovery, including providing comprehensive wrap-around services to individuals with opioid use disorder, including housing, transportation, education, job placement, job training or childcare;

• Addressing the needs of pregnant women and their families, including those with babies with neonatal disorder;

• Preventing opioid misuse, overprescribing and overdoses through, among other strategies, school-based and youth-focused programs, public education campaigns, increased availability and distribution of naloxone and other drugs that treat overdoses, additional training and enhancements to the prescription drug monitoring program; and

• Supporting first responders.

• Local governments can allocate additional resources for legal expenses if they choose.

Grays Harbor County Commissioners to set up process for tracking proposals and awarding opioid settlement funds.

The Grays Harbor County Board of County Commissioners will make funding decisions and rely on Grays Harbor County Public Health to administer the funds.

The Commissioners Regular Meeting occurs each Tuesday of the week at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner meetings are held In-Person with a Hybrid Option (currently Zoom) and the schedule of meetings is published on the Grays Harbor County homepage.

Click here for a list of meetings, agendas and meeting material or visit our Agendas and Meeting Information page for more information. 

Opioid Settlement Learning Collaborative webinars:

The State Health Care Authority and Department of Health have been hosting bi-monthly Opioid Settlement Learning Collaboratives for local, regional, Tribal, and state agency partners to exchange information, ideas, challenges, and successes related to the use of opioid settlement funds.

Here are registration links:
Register for August 14
Register for October 9
Register for December 11

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In diaper pinch, county rolls out network of supply

Health department working with partners to deliver diapers across Grays Harbor

This article was written by Clayton Franke and appeared in The Daily World on April 5, 2024

As costs rise for groceries and rent, families with young children are forced to cut from their daily budgets to come up with enough cash for an unavoidable purchase: diapers.

After the expiration of a pandemic-era diaper bank resource a few months ago, a network is being built to distribute diapers across Grays Harbor and ensure families aren’t forced to choose between essential needs.

The network, spearheaded by Grays Harbor County Public Health, loops in local groups with hopes to reach families in far corners of the county as well as the central Harbor.

“Across our whole county — outside of maybe some programs here and there who might get some small donations of diapers — we don’t have any place that consistently is able to provide diapers to people,” said Erin Schreiber, who manages the health department’s family division and is coordinating the new diaper bank network.

Parent educators Marisela Martinez and Nikki Gwin stand next to diapers at the Grays Harbor County Public Health building in Aberdeen set to be delivered to the community through the health department’s new diaper bank network.

“We need to be able to get the supplies to the people where they’re at, rather than only relying on them coming to us,” she added.

Schreiber said the county has worked for about six months on the project and has been engaged in getting diapers to the public for several years. After launching three weeks ago, the network has dished out diapers to 17 families, and will distribute as many as funding allows, Schreiber said.

Drawing from a $5,000 grant from the Grays Harbor Community Foundation, the network is working with partners like Coastal Community Action Program in Aberdeen and the Early Steps to School Success program in Pacific Beach, which operates under the charity Save the Children.

A public health analysis from last year showed the Pacific Beach area, along with Elma, are the fastest growing areas of young children in Grays Harbor County.

But even as a whole the county has a hard time getting access to bulk diaper deals at wholesalers, said Marie Brain, a specialist with South Sound Parent to Parent, a regional childhood service provider.

During the pandemic, the agency received a state grant to run a diaper bank in Aberdeen. Since that funding ran out recently, parents have called the office consistently asking if diapers are available, Brain said.

“It’s hard, because we know it’s such a need,” she said. “I’m so thankful that a diaper bank is coming back to the area.”

A 2023 report from the National Diaper Bank Network found nearly half of American families reported a need for some kind of diaper supplies. Washington state created a program to add diaper money to federal food assistance benefits, a program that began in 2023.

But sometimes parents with children over three years old who aren’t yet potty-trained miss out, Brain said. She said a key to the new network will be facilitating all types of diaper sizes.

“It’s expensive, and it’s not like you have a choice,” she said. “The child has to wear a diaper.”

Children whose diapers aren’t changed regularly can be exposed to immediate health risks. Providing diapers addresses those immediate risks, but access to diapers is also a “protective factor” for preventing other negative health outcomes down the road, especially for families in poverty, Schreiber said.

As diapers are delivered to families, it’s also a chance for public health workers to connect them to other resources.

“We can get them connected to other resources and programs that maybe they wouldn’t have known about otherwise,” Schreiber said.

Schreiber said there are plans to run an upcoming diaper drive at local businesses to stretch the network’s resources.

Grays Harbor County Youth Third Space Report

Pearsall Building, Aberdeen, March 18, 2024 - Grays Harbor County Public Health Department engaged with Health Management Associates (HMA) to conduct an assessment for options to consider a third space facility in Grays Harbor and to better understand the youth engagement supports in the community.

The Grays Harbor County Youth Third Space Report also includes a community facility dashboard.

Recent County assessments have highlighted the need to understand the landscape of youth third spaces in Grays Harbor. In their Community Health Assessment (2022), Grays Harbor identified the lack of recreational and safe spaces for young people as a key gap. Additionally, the Behavioral Health Gap Analysis (2022), Early Childhood Supports Services Gap Analysis (2023), and the 2021 Health Youth Survey (conducted every other year by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) notes gaps in after school, mental health and prosocial supports within Grays Harbor, in comparison to Washington state averages. A growing body of research points to the devastating impacts of loneliness on mental health with an emphasis on youth mental health outcomes.

What is a third space?

A third space is a shared place for a community to gather. The name “third space” distinguishes it from home (a first space) or school/work (a second space). A youth third space is a place for teens and young adults to come together, for both informal time to socialize and to access formal activities and support. It is intended to promote a sense of belonging and is a place youth want to return to again and again. The assessment seeks to capture both the current availability of spaces and activities for youth in Grays Harbor, while also evaluating the extent to which these spaces are meeting the needs of youth. Particular attention was paid to whether there are spaces available that cultivate a sense of belonging for youth who participate. The report provides example models that can be adapted to Grays Harbor County.

Methodology

The analysis was conducted over the course of a six-month period between September of 2023 and February 2024. The assessment incorporated geo-mapping and accompanying data analysis. Analysis was conducted of demographic data sets and key performance indicators available through both publicly available and subscription-based sources.

The HMA team reviewed regional and county assessments related to behavioral health, youth well-being, and school outcomes and conducted their own interviews and surveys including:

• Gathered input from 5 youth-related coalitions in Grays Harbor

• Conducted 7 key informant interviews with youth providers and other key stakeholders

• Gathered input from 76 Grays Harbor youth

Defining the need in Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor has a mix of urban and rural population centers that are geographically separated in a configuration that creates transportation and access issues. This is particularly impactful when considering the location and density of resources for youth to access. Youth need spaces and opportunities to connect with one another in safe environments that are close to the places where they live and attend school. Grays Harbor’s geography creates additional challenges to meeting this need.

As such, multiple coalitions have developed over time to address the needs of the specific regions within the County. Each of these coalitions is working to develop capacity and supports for youth in their local communities. These are a critical resource, and yet there is not currently a coordinating body for all youth space efforts within the County. This may lead to a duplication of efforts and limits the potential for the collective impact that could be achieved with greater coordination.

Additionally, Grays Harbor lacks a place where youth and their families can learn about the activities and third spaces that are offered, including days, times, costs, and specific activities. This contributes to inequitable access and limits use of these resources, as knowledge of their availability is based on word of mouth or being connected to the specific organization that is offering the activity.

On March 13, Department of Health announced the 2023 Healthy Youth Survey in which Grays Harbor students expressed increased awareness of activities available in their neighborhood or community; however, the report still shows a high percentage of youth in our community with low neighborhood attachment and pro-social involvement. Youth also shared that there is a lack of spaces to simply, safely “hang out” without structured activities. A third space would provide opportunities to give individuals a sense of belonging and bridge connections across the community for positive health outcomes.

Lastly, a theme that emerged was a history of spaces and activities that have emerged, developed a popular following and then disappeared from the area. This has created some skepticism among community members as to whether it is possible to develop a true and lasting third space.

Free self-swab COVID-19 and Influenza tests are now available to the community

The kiosk is located outside the Pearsall Building in Aberdeen and is always open.

Pearsall Building, Aberdeen, March 4, 2024 - Grays Harbor County Public Health now offers a kiosk that dispenses free COVID-19 and flu tests to the community. Two types of tests are now available:

1. Rapid antigen test for COVID-19. This tests produces results right away.

2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19, Influenza A and B. Return your test samples to the kiosk where they will be shipped to a test tab and results will usually be available within 1-2 days.

The antigen tests look for specific proteins on the surface of the virus and produce an immediate result, but they are not as accurate as the respiratory panel PCR test. If you need immediate results, antigen tests might be better, but if you need the most accurate test, PCR tests are recommended.

Before the kiosk, Grays Harbor County residents only had access to PCR tests in the Emergency Room. Pharmacies sell over the counter COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, but at a cost of $8 per test or more. Residents can now access the kiosk outside the west entrance of the Pearsall Building located at 2109 Sumner Avenue in Aberdeen 24 hours a day. Each test kit contains a QR code that activates the kit and provides step-by-step instructions. Health insurance information is requested at that time, but it is not required.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) launched this innovative community testing resource in partnership with Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs) and Tribal Nations aimed at bolstering public health efforts. Throughout the state, kiosks will be available to provide free COVID-19 and flu tests, along with the opportunity to access additional healthcare supplies. This initiative underscores DOH's commitment to advancing health equity by extending services to underserved communities and disproportionately affected populations.

Free self-swab tests are now available for Grays Harbor residents

COVID-19 and flu tests are available at the kiosk located outside the west entrance of the Pearsall Building and is always open.

Now open 24/7

Located outside the west entrance of the Pearsall Building at 2109 Sumner Avenue in Aberdeen

Download our flyer (includes English and Spanish) PNG | PDF

To learn more...

• Watch an instructional video on how to take the COVID-19 and flu respiratory panel test

• About the DOH Testing Kiosk program Testing Kiosks | Washington State Department of Health

• To find other kiosks Locate the testandgo™ Healthcare Kiosk You Need for Diverse Healthcare Needs

Map to the Pearsall Building, 2109 Sumner Avenue in Aberdeen

Contact: Leigh Rowley, 360-500-4052

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North Beach School District's new school-based health center

Pearsall Building, Aberdeen, March 14, 2024 - Grays Harbor County Public Health and North Beach School District today announced that it will open the doors of a new school-based health center (SBHC) inside the North Beach junior/senior high school. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will took place at the North Beach Junior and Senior High School at 336 State Route 115 in Ocean Shores at 3:30 P.M. on Thursday, Mar 14.

“Grays Harbor County Public Health is very excited to have partnered with the North Beach School District to open a school-based health center in the Junior/Senior High School,” said Mike McNickle, public health director at Grays Harbor County Public Health. “The opening of the school-based health center is the culmination of nearly two years of hard work, and we are fortunate to be able to start helping students, faculty, and staff this month!”

Initially, the North Beach SBHC will operate one day per week providing primary care services to North Beach students, faculty and staff members.

The North Beach SBHC will be the first of the grant recipients funded by the Washington State Legislature Substitute House Bill 1225 to complete their project of establishing or expanding school-based health centers in Washington K-12 public schools, with a focus on communities and populations who have been historically underserved.

With youth-focused health education and services available at school, more students are likely to stay healthy, feel supported, be in class ready to learn, and graduate.

School-based health centers (SBHCs) ensure young people have access to safe, comprehensive, youth-friendly care. SBHCs are usually in or next to a school property and are partnerships between communities, schools, and community health providers. The Washington State Department of Health promotes and supports over 70 SBHCs in Washington. SBHCs provide access to comprehensive primary care, including:

• Annual doctor visits • Sports physicals • Immunizations • Medications • Illness and injury • Behavioral health •

To learn more...

• About the DOH SBHC program.

• About SBHCs in Washington, visit the Washington School-Based Health Alliance

• About SBHCs nationally, check the National School-Based Health Alliance

Links to past news coverage on this story:

March 29, 2024: North Beach School Based Health Center YouTube video

Mar. 19, 2024: Health center for students, staff opens at North Beach Jr/Sr High | The Daily World

Aug. 9, 2023: Health care provider hired for North Beach School-based health center - KXRO News Radio

Aug. 10, 2023: Physician hired for North Beach school health center | The Daily World

May 4, 2023: School-based health center finalized for North Beach | The Daily World

Jul. 5, 2022: WA State Department of Health announces SBHC grant recipients - Washington School-Based Health Alliance (wasbha.org)

Contact: Leigh Rowley, 360-500-4052

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Hoquiam building a new abode for homeless or at-risk young adults

Story by Clayton Franke. Photo by Aberdeen Daily World

Young people without stable housing in Grays Harbor have a new place to go that aims to put them on a path to a more permanent roof.

Converted from a vacant former business building, a new 10-bed transitional house on Simpson Avenue in downtown Hoquiam can host young adults ages 18-24, and emancipated youth older than 16, for up to two years, pulling some out of homelessness and preventing others from falling into it as they move on from foster care and other youth shelters.

Grays Harbor County Public Health contracted with the local coordinated entry agency, Coastal Community Action Program, to open the new resource. Those agencies, along with the city of Hoquiam, celebrated the project’s opening on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

“The city of Hoquiam has been a fantastic partner for this project and we are hopeful many other property owners will look at their empty buildings to see if there is an opportunity to create affordable housing out of the upstairs vacant spaces,” said Kimberly Stoll-French, housing program manager with CCAP, in an email.

The new youth housing in Hoquiam complements previous work to reduce and prevent teen homelessness. CCAP in 2021 opened a six-bed youth shelter in Aberdeen, nicknamed “The Walkthrough,” which hosts teens aged 12-17 for up to two-month stays.

That same year, the county selected the transitional housing project as a response to a proposal for emergency housing projects, and funded it with document recording fees. In recent years, the state Legislature has increased county document recording fees and applied them to various housing programs.

Like the shelter in Aberdeen, the new transitional house will have resources and mentoring to help youth move into the next stage of their lives — chiefly permanent housing. Along with young guests, an advisor, employed through CCAP, will live onsite at the house in downtown Hoquiam.

But unlike The Walkthrough, the Hoquiam building will cater to more independent living for young adults, with support services like education, employment, case management, financial and budgeting.

According to Stoll-French, residents at the transitional house will have their own lease with landlord Kim Chang Lim, a property owner who works with the agency. Stoll-French said the units themselves won’t be subsidized, but residents can get subsidies through CCAP or other housing agencies.

Homeless or at-risk youth will be entered into the house through CCAP’s coordinated entry program, and will be prioritized by vulnerability, Stoll-French said.

“With the prioritization tool, the most at-risk populations are served first,” Stoll-French said.

During a one year period in 2020 and 2021, which overlapped by only a few months with the opening of youth shelter in Aberdeen, a state report released in June 2023 shows that 121 people aged 12 to 24 in Grays Harbor County exited some kind of care or corrections system — they aged out of foster care, were discharged from a government-funded behavioral health facility, or completed a juvenile detention sentence. Within one year of release, 16 of those individuals became homeless, according to state data.

Contact reporter Clayton Franke at 406-552-3917 or clayton.franke@thedailyworld.com.