SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — People in Spokane County seeking help for mental health issues and addiction will soon have an additional resource thanks in part to federal money.
Senator Patty Murray has directed $3 million of congressional spending to Spokane County to expand its regional stabilization center. The money will go toward a new $21 million building, offering expanded bed space and treatment.
“I will keep fighting for funding to make sure people in Washington state get the care and treatment they are counting on and that could save their life,” Murray said in a statement.
According to its web page, the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center is a “pre-booking jail diversion option” meant to keep people out of jails and hospitals by providing mental and physical health services. The county has been working with Murray for two years to secure additional funding to expand the facility.
Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter, public information and communications manager for the county, said the money hasn’t been received yet. She said receiving federal funds can be a long process, and the timeline is up in the air.
Wheatley-Billeter said the county has identified other funding sources to put toward the new building, including $5 million of opioid settlement funds and $10 million from a mental health sales tax. The county will also request $3 million from the state.
The new building will be located on North Cedar Street near the existing stabilization center on West Gardner Avenue. The building is expected to open in fall 2027.
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