Board Approves Long-term Lease for Washington County Mental Health Urgent Care Center

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 04, 2016

At their board meeting on July 26, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a 10-year lease for a new mental health urgent care center (MHUCC). The facility, the first of its kind in the county, will be located at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway in Hillsboro and is slated to open in March 2017.

"Our community has long needed a walk-in center to address a critical gap in the mental health system," says Chair Andy Duyck. "Individuals and their families want to avoid the kind of crisis that leads to the emergency room or even to jail. This center will provide a way to get help sooner in a more appropriate and less costly environment."

The MHUCC will be a supportive place where adults and youth, including those in crisis, can receive care and assistance in accessing ongoing treatment and other helpful resources. It will offer crisis counseling, information and referral, treatment connection, and other types of supportive services to individuals who do not require intensive, hospital-based help to address mental health and addictions concerns.

"We conducted an extensive search to find the most suitable facility," says Kristin Burke, Human Services manager with Washington County. "The building's size and space configuration, location and proximity to public transportation meet all of our needs."

Washington County is contracting with LifeWorks NW to provide MHUCC staffing and services. Staff will include master's level clinicians, people experienced in treating addictions, and trained peers who have recovered from their own mental health issues. Existing County mental health crisis programs — also staffed by Lifeworks NW and focused on rapid assessment and connection to care — will also be housed at the MHUCC. These programs are largely mobile and often serve people in their homes or the community. The walk-in clinic will expand these services by offering a physical place people can go for help.

"We are thankful for the hard work of our staff and dozens of community partners who are making this vision a reality," says Commissioner Bob Terry. "Washington County residents will benefit from the compassionate and supportive services this center can provide."

The center will most likely be open 12 hours a day, including weekends. Both walk-ins and appointments will be available.

All Washington County Human Services staff and programs will move into an adjoining space. Neighboring organizations in the complex with related missions include Oregon Department of Human Services and Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services. There will also be shared space available for other nonprofits to provide services onsite. "This makes connecting people to services even more seamless," says Burke.

"We have a lot of exciting work ahead of us," says Burke. "This includes coming up with a name that makes it clear what the facility is and does, but also one that makes people feel safe and welcome."

The public is invited to submit name suggestions by August 31, 2016. They can submit a simple form online at www.co.washington.or.us/MHUCC or send an email directly to [email protected]. The person who submits the selected name will receive a privately funded $100 gift certificate to the restaurant of his or her choice.

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