Feasibility study for SRHD treatment services approved by the Spokane Regional Health District Board of Health

Spokane, Wash. – Today, the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) Board of Health (BOH) approved a feasibility study on the potential separation of SRHD’s Opioid Treatment Services (OTS) division to better meet employee needs, the organization and the community.

At the request of SRHD Administrative Officer Dr. Alicia Thompson, a feasibility study would assess the potential pros and cons of separating OTS, allowing it to operate outside of a government agency.

“The opioid and fentanyl crisis has everyone wondering what else we can do. How can we make a bigger impact,” said Thompson. “Treatment services have evolved into a standalone direct service provider and must have the ability to be agile and responsive to community needs.”

In 1990, SRHD started the “methadone clinic” because there was no one else in the Spokane County area offering services to individuals addicted to heroin. Today, SRHD’s OTS remains the largest opioid treatment program in the state. However, there are now other programs that offer the same services.

Thompson further explained that the separation between OTS and SRHD has been discussed at various times throughout history. Today, in April 2024, there are new developments that indicate that this is the right time to conduct a feasibility study and explore the possibility, such as:

• Additional opioid treatment programs in Spokane County offering the same services
• A different political and fiscal environment where there are opportunities for grant funding through the federal government that SRHD’s OTS is not eligible for without their own Employer Identification Number and National Provider Identifier
• Established opioid treatment programs may be interested in helping OTS move away from SRHD while maintaining services in Spokane County

Thompson explained, “The need for services in Spokane County is great, but our ability to expand and grow is limited by the constraints of being a government entity.”

As a result of the BOH’s decision, a feasibility study will allow SRHD to investigate all necessary details, assess its value, ensure that the outcome benefits the community, SRHD employees and SRHD as an organization, and determine if there are other, private opioid treatment programs interested in the potential of OTS. Community outreach and meetings with community partners will be conducted by Thompson as part of the feasibility study.

The Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington State’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us Tweet to receive safety and wellness tips.