Clark County Community Services this week announced it will end its contract with Beacon Health Options and no longer provide Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) services as of Dec. 31, 2021. Effective Jan. 1, 2022, SeaMar-Community Services NW (CSNW) will assume the contract with Beacon Health Options to staff and deliver DCR services in Clark County.

Under the Involuntary Treatment Act (RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34), DCRs are authorized to conduct an evaluation and investigation to determine if a person presents a harm to self, others or property, or is gravely disabled and is at imminent risk, or if there is a non-emergent risk due to a substance use disorder or mental disorder.

Clark County, SeaMar-CSNW and Beacon are actively working on a transition plan to ensure there is no disruption to delivering these essential crisis services in the community.

“Close coordination is underway with key stakeholders including hospitals, law enforcement, County Courts and behavioral health providers,” said Vanessa Gaston, director of Clark County Community Services.

SeaMar-CSNW has been providing Adult Mobile Crisis Intervention (AMCI) services after being selected by Beacon through a competitive bid process. SeaMar-CSNW also provides Co-Responder Behavioral Health services with the City of Vancouver Police Department.

“Integrating AMCI and DCR services has been a long-term vision for crisis services and I appreciate staff's commitment to continuing to serve the community and their patience during this transition,” said Gaston. “SeaMar-CSNW senior leadership has quickly aligned and committed to expanding their crisis services to take on an increasingly meaningful role within our community.”

CONTACT:
Kara Wade, program manager, Community Services
564.397.7686, kara.wade@clark.wa.gov