Behavioral Health Advisory Committee

The Benton-Franklin Behavioral Health Advisory Committee was established by joint resolution of the Boards of Benton County and Franklin County Commissioners on March 1, 2022. This committee consists of 17 volunteer members, each with 3-year terms, to provide community perspective on the need and effectiveness of behavioral health services in the region.

Benton and Franklin Counties each have implemented the 0.1% Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Sales Tax (as authorized under RCW 82.14.460), with the revenues from that tax to be community-centered.

Mission Statement of the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee:

The Behavioral Health Advisory Committee (BHAC) of Benton and Franklin Counties is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our communities by advising the Boards of County Commissioners on the development, implementation, and improvement of behavioral health services. We focus on identifying the need for new or expanded services, assessing the effectiveness of existing services, and ensuring the effective utilization of resources for behavioral health facilities and service providers at a systemwide level. Specifically, we advocate for the vital role of the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery in our community.

Values:

Community-Centric Approach: We prioritize the needs and perspectives of our diverse community, ensuring that behavioral health services are accessible, effective, and tailored to meet the unique challenges of Benton and Franklin Counties.

Inclusivity and Representation: Our committee represents a broad spectrum of the community, including law enforcement, emergency responders, healthcare providers, mental health and substance use disorder experts, and individuals with lived experiences, ensuring a holistic view of behavioral health needs.

Transparency and Accountability: Adhering to the Washington Open Meetings Act, we operate with transparency, inviting public input and maintaining open communication channels with the community.

Collaboration and Partnership: We value collaboration with various sectors and stakeholders, including county officials, health districts, courts, and the recovery coalition, to foster integrated and comprehensive behavioral health services.

Ethical Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring that our actions and recommendations serve the public interest without any personal or business gain.

Vision Statement of the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee:

Our vision is to create a collaborative, informed, and responsive behavioral health system in Benton and Franklin Counties that effectively addresses current challenges while anticipating future needs. A system of care where there is "no wrong door" necessitates a recovery center that addresses the behavioral health needs in our community. We aim to foster a community where every individual can access high-quality behavioral health services in a timely, dignified, and supportive environment. Through our efforts, we strive to reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health issues, improve public understanding, and encourage a community where wellness and recovery are achievable and celebrated.

Committee Members: 

• Committee Chair: Jason Bliss
• Committee Vice-Chair: Gordon Cable

Non-Voting Members:

In addition to the 17 voting members of the committee, a group of non-voting members (or their designee) will participate on behalf of the Counties and other organizations, including:

• Benton County Administrator
• Franklin County Administrator
• Benton County Human Services Manager
• Benton-Franklin Health District Administrator
• Benton-Franklin Superior Court Administrator
• Benton County District Court Administrator
• Benton Franklin Recovery Coalition President
• Franklin County Therapeutic Court Administrator

Sub-committees:

Standards for Substance Use Disorder Services:

Whose responsibility it would be to advise on needs, expectations, standards, timelines, etc. for substance use programs – This group helps develop standards and expectations to include in contracts the counties issue for SUD services. This group may also help with monitoring and oversight of those contractors.

Members include: Rebecca Grohs, Joel Chavez, Jason Bliss, Kim Lettrick, Erin Petty, Kevin Crowley

Standards for Mental Health Services:

Whose responsibility it would be to advise on needs, expectations, standards timelines, etc. for mental health programs – This group would help to develop standards and expectations to include in contracts the counties issue for mental health services. This group may also help with monitoring and oversight of those contractors.

Members include: Angie Manterola, Erin Petty, Ryan Washburn, Kyle Sullivan, Kim Lettrick, BJ Olson, Gordon Cable, Alyssa Pearce

Communications:

Whose responsibility it would be to develop communication plan for the community about behavioral health services – This group would help to craft messaging for the counties to put out regarding what the group and counties are working on as well as about what services are available in the community. This group may also service as a point of contact for questions to the Committee and input from providers, stakeholders, etc.

Members include: Michele Gerber, John Roach, BJ Olson, Katie DoValle 

Behavioral Health Workforce Development:

Whose responsibility it would be to engage with providers, educational institutes, employment agencies, local schools, etc. to find ways that could bolster the number of qualified behavioral health workers in our community

Members include: John Roach, Kyle Sullivan, BJ Olson