Seattle, WA – In a compelling interview on “The Day with Trae,” Jennifer Winslow, Strategic Planning Manager for the King County Crisis Care Centers initiative, offered an insightful look into the ambitious program designed to revolutionize mental health and substance use care in the region. Winslow, a licensed mental health clinician with roots in St. Louis, Missouri, shared her personal journey into the field, deeply influenced by her mother, a social worker who fostered an open dialogue about mental health within their family.
Winslow’s passion for the work is palpable, driven by a desire to reduce the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. She emphasized the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel safe seeking help without fear of shame or judgment. “It’s okay not to be okay,” Winslow stated, emphasizing the critical need for accessible support. She drew a poignant parallel between physical and mental health, advocating for mental health to be recognized and treated with the same gravity as a broken arm.
The King County Crisis Care Centers, a first-in-the-nation network, are at the heart of this transformative initiative. Funded by a ballot measure passed two years ago, the levy aims to establish a comprehensive network of crisis care centers, restore mental health residential beds, and invest in the behavioral health workforce. Winslow highlighted the innovative aspect of the network model, ensuring that residents across King County, regardless of their location, can access services during times of crisis…