Federal grants are fueling expansion and modernization efforts at substance abuse treatment facilities in Watsonville, California, and Spokane County, Washington, aiming to improve access and bolster community support for those seeking recovery.
Watsonville: Investment in Community Health
At the site of Watsonville’s Sí Se Puede Behavioral Health Center, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren personally presented a $900,000 check, marking a significant step in the center’s development. Lofgren explained, “Our goal is to make sure comprehensive care is available to everyone, regardless of language or income.” Encompass Community Services, which operates the facility, plans to use the funds to outfit the center with necessary furnishings, technology upgrades, and essential fixtures. The center is expected to deliver bilingual treatment services to nearly 1,000 people annually, offering residents comfortable living quarters, wellness spaces, and a new kitchen designed for up to 30 clients at a time.
Kim Morrison, Interim CEO of Encompass Community Services, expressed gratitude for the funding. “This backing allows us to reach more families and saves lives,” Morrison noted. The planned upgrades include medical technologies aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing safety for clients and staff alike.
Spokane County: Expanding Crisis Response
In Spokane County, federal support has proved vital to enlarging the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center. Senator Patty Murray, who helped secure $3 million from Congress, said, “Supporting recovery and stabilization services directly benefits our entire community.” County Commissioner Mary Brooks praised Senator Murray’s continued advocacy and pointed out the critical need for extended recovery-centric care and crisis intervention.
The facility, which opened in 2021, is currently set for a 17,000-square-foot expansion. Additional funding from state settlements and local taxes is expected to bring the total investment for the project to $21 million. Services, including withdrawal management and crisis stabilization, will be strengthened, and the center will offer longer operating hours to better support individuals in urgent need…