‘Let’s go build 10 more’: First-of-its-kind youth stabilization center opens in Whatcom County
County leaders and community members celebrated the opening of the Youth Crisis Triage Intensive Outpatient Center and Youth Resource Center in Whatcom County.
The first-of-its-kind center, located at 103 W. Main Street in Everson, will focus on youth stabilization with the goal of addressing the challenges and needs of kids experiencing different crisis situations across Whatcom County and the state.
“It’s great to see something like this be brought to town,” Everson Mayor John Perry said at the grand opening ceremony Thursday afternoon. “As a parent of a lot of kids and having raised teenagers for many years, there’s a lot of struggles these days. It’s tough and parents need resources. This gives them another resource to turn to.”
The center will be available for youths ages 5 to 17 as an alternative to going to the hospital when they’re experiencing a behavioral health crisis like a mental health emergency, suicidal thoughts, homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, bullying or other issues impacting their well-being.
Kids can be referred to the facility by parents, educators, mental health counselors, law enforcement or first responders. Youth can also just walk into the facility without a referral, officials said.
“I’m so proud of our community being able to come together and build things like this. And let’s go build 10 more,” said Sen. Sharon Shewmake, who also spoke at the ceremony.
Kids and teenagers utilizing the outpatient center will be able to stay for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes and connect with a registered nurse, social workers, counselors and therapists while they are there. Kids are given individualized assessments, crisis intervention, counseling sessions and referrals to other community resources to meet immediate needs and establish ongoing support.
The Youth Resource Center will provide kids access to immediate basic resources such as food, toiletries, hygiene products and clothing, as well as laundry and shower amenities. It will also offer after-school activities such as arts, crafts, and sports, in addition to individual or group counseling.
“We need more facilities like this throughout Whatcom County and throughout the state of Washington,” 42nd District Rep. Joe Timmons said at the ceremony. “I’m committed to working on behavioral health issues in the state legislature and I think we need more of this model implemented everywhere.”
The facility was built using a $900,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. It is expected to be open to serve kids by Sept. 1.
Resources
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org
Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on-call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment at (360) 734-4616.
▪ Child Protective Services: Washington state hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153.
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Tl’ils Ta’á’altha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911 and make a report to law enforcement.
To report child abuse or neglect call 1-866-END HARM.
This story was originally published August 20, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
