The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for a youth crisis triage intensive outpatient unit and nonprofit youth resource center are set for noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, August 17 at 103 W. Main Street in Everson.
Blaine-based TouchStone Behavioral Health received a $900,000 grant last December for the acquisition, construction and renovation of the outpatient unit and resource center as part of Washington’s Behavioral Health Facilities capital program.
The outpatient unit will provide intervention care, counseling, and triage to youths up to age 18. The unit can serve each patient for up to 24 hours and has the capacity to serve 16 people, event coordinator Becky Raney said.
Youths struggling with mental health issues, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, bullying and other crises can visit the center for intervention, emotional support and guidance.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in Everson’s historic Mades Building, where the outpatient unit and youth resource center are located. Recent renovations have been made to include space for counseling offices, a registered nurse and trained technicians, according to a TouchStone news release.
The open house will include refreshments, vendors and music. It will also allow parents, teachers and community members to take a guided tour through the facility.
Guest speakers will share stories focused on the importance of intervention and support for youths in crisis. To RSVP for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, visit bit.ly/47furJe.
“We consistently hear from residents about the barriers to accessing services throughout Whatcom County,” said Ron Warner, Whatcom County Health and Community Services communication specialist in an email. “Locating services in rural parts of the county greatly increases access where few resources exist.”
The location will serve the needs of youth from Snohomish to Whatcom counties, Raney said, adding that the Nooksack Indian Tribe and Lummi Nation may also benefit from the location of the Everson site.
TouchStone recently submitted a grant application that, if approved, could result in a 16-bed facility for overnight and extended stays of up to 90 days.
The youth resource center focuses on offering a welcoming and safe space for children and adolescents. In the future, Raney said the center hopes to see community organizations and volunteers offer mentorship, lessons and activities for the youths visiting the Everson center.
The facility will start with a soft opening that will continue through September 21.
“We hope to see greater access to care for Whatcom County youth, so our kids can get the services and support they need,” Warner said.
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