For the Reporter
Respecting the need to carefully review and discuss concerns raised by local residents of the Woodmont area of Des Moines, Valley Cities Behavioral Health Services is voluntarily slowing down development of previously announced plans for a multi-faceted treatment campus for people with mental illness and substance use disorders.
Potential alternate locations in South King County are being explored for some or all of the services originally planned for Woodmont, according to a Valley Cities news release.
“I’m pleased that Valley Cities is responding to community concerns and working with local leaders to explore other locations for these much needed services” Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) said. “It’s important to include residents’ concerns in the discussion. I’ll have been, and will remain, fully engage in this process.”
Valley Cities remains committed to proceeding with the expansion of much-needed treatment services for the residents of South King County, hundreds of whom must travel long distances to get the treatment they need. State and county partners are joining with Valley Cities to explore reconfigurations of the original plans for the site, as well as exploring potential alternative sites in South King County for some or all of the services planned.
“Valley Cities has explored other locations for more than a year without finding a more suitable site. Now, with the help of county and state officials, we may be able to find a location that better meets the needs of the residents of south King County,” explains Ken Taylor, the CEO of Valley Cities. “However, we are committed to resolving the urgent needs for both psychiatric and substance abuse in-patient services, so a quick resolution is essential to this process and the health of this community.”
Original plans for the Woodmont Recovery Center in Des Moines on Pacific Highway near 272nd Street included administrative office space for Valley Cities, an outpatient behavioral and physical health care clinic, an evaluation and treatment facility, secure detoxification unit, recovery café and a methadone dispensing unit. The first phase of development planned, with funding in place from both the state of Washington and King County, is a 16-bed Evaluation and Treatment Center to address a serious shortfall in residential services for people in mental health crisis.
“There is a critical need for additional services in South King County,” said Jim Vollendroff, director of King County’s Mental Health Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division. “We absolutely must expand access and availability to the residents of Des Moines and others nearby so they can get the help they need to achieve recovery and reclaim their lives.”
The strongest concerns voiced centered on the inclusion of a medical dispensary of medications, including methadone, to help individuals in recovery from substance use. Data clearly shows that more than 500 people travel from South King County to Seattle every day to receive medication treatment. Those who cannot make the daily trek currently have no access to treatment at all.
About Valley Cities
Valley Cities has provided treatment services to residents of King County, primarily South King County, for more than 50 years. Over 7,500 people were served in 2014. Services include licensed mental health counseling and chemical dependency treatment for people of all ages; domestic violence services; homeless outreach services and housing programs; family support programs; and specialized services for veterans and their families. Valley Cities is a longtime provider of services and supports under contract with King County.
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