Championing Mental Health: Jennifer Winslow's Vision for King County's Crisis Care Centers
Seattle, WA – In a compelling interview on "The Day with Trae," Jennifer Winslow, Strategic Planning Manager for the King County Crisis Care Centers initiative, offered an insightful look into the ambitious program designed to revolutionize mental health and substance use care in the region. Winslow, a licensed mental health clinician with roots in St. Louis, Missouri, shared her personal journey into the field, deeply influenced by her mother, a social worker who fostered an open dialogue about mental health within their family.
Winslow's passion for the work is palpable, driven by a desire to reduce the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. She emphasized the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel safe seeking help without fear of shame or judgment. "It's okay not to be okay," Winslow stated, emphasizing the critical need for accessible support. She drew a poignant parallel between physical and mental health, advocating for mental health to be recognized and treated with the same gravity as a broken arm.
The King County Crisis Care Centers, a first-in-the-nation network, are at the heart of this transformative initiative. Funded by a ballot measure passed two years ago, the levy aims to establish a comprehensive network of crisis care centers, restore mental health residential beds, and invest in the behavioral health workforce. Winslow highlighted the innovative aspect of the network model, ensuring that residents across King County, regardless of their location, can access services during times of crisis.
The centers will offer three key components: a behavioral health urgent care, a 23-hour observation unit, and a 14-day stabilization period with up to 16 beds. Winslow explained that the urgent care component is designed for those experiencing a "bad day" or simply needing to explore their needs. At the same time, the observation unit provides more intensive support for individuals experiencing severe symptoms. Research indicates that approximately 80% of individuals seeking care at crisis centers will have their needs met within the urgent care component. Crucially, Winslow stressed that "you get to define what a crisis is," empowering individuals to seek help based on their self-identified needs.
A cornerstone of the initiative is ensuring that services are available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Winslow emphasized that the levy, approved by King County voters, makes this accessibility possible, alleviating the financial burden often associated with healthcare.
King County will not directly operate these facilities; instead, it will procure services from behavioral health agencies through a competitive process. Connections Health Solution in Kirkland has been selected as the first operator for the North Crisis Response Zone, with two more operators expected to be identified this summer. This procurement model underscores a commitment to accountability, ensuring that the centers are delivering on their promises to the community.
Community engagement is paramount to the success of the initiative. Winslow highlighted the role of her team's community engagement liaison, Idabbel Proce, who is dedicated to connecting with residents and ensuring that historically underserved voices are at the table. This collaborative approach ensures that the centers are tailored to meet the specific needs and desires of the communities they serve.
Drawing on her prior experience in direct service at a substance abuse treatment facility for pregnant women and women with children in St. Louis, Winslow articulated the profound empathy and compassion she developed for individuals facing difficult circumstances. This frontline experience has informed her strategic role, enabling her to contribute to a model that will offer non-judgmental support to those in need.
Winslow encouraged the public to stay connected with the Crisis Care Centers initiative by emailing ccclevy@kingcounty.gov or visiting http://www.kingcounty.gov/crisis-care-centers. Monthly community meetings, with the next one scheduled for July 15th, offer further opportunities for the public to learn about the initiative's progress and available resources. Winslow expressed her deep appreciation for Washington state's innovative approach to mental health, stating, "My time's not done here yet." Her dedication promises a brighter future for mental health care in King County.
