Meeting Notes: Bridge Coalition Meeting on February 24th
Opening Comments (Jim):
- Introductions via chat were done
- A broad overview of NorthStar Advocates Mission and purpose was discussed,
- Focusing on return to community: safe housing, relationships, and supporting young adults facing unaccompanied homelessness interests and passions.
The Bridge Scope and Vision (Mayauna):
- High rate of return to homelessness for young people exiting inpatient care,
- Cross-system information sharing and training,
- Developing Return To Community Plan,
- Developing opportunities for systems reform.
Legislative & Budget Update
Lead: Jim Theofelis
Jim provided updates on key legislative developments and the state budget process with 16 days left of the session.
Millionaire Tax Proposal: A proposed tax on income over $1 million remains included in both the House and Senate budgets. The proposal has had additional hearings amid broader budget deficit discussions.
There is ongoing debate about how the revenue would be used:
- Some advocate for directing the funds back to low-income residents and communities.
- Others argue the funds should be used to reduce the projected state budget deficit for the coming year.
SB 6239 – Tort Reform: This bill would have created additional legal hurdles for survivors of abuse seeking to sue the state. Survivors would have had to go through additional procedural steps before accessing the courts.
Many state entities supported the bill due to the increase in settlements. Jim testified in opposition, emphasizing the importance of ensuring victims of abuse maintain access to compensation and justice.
The bill did not move forward.
HB 5940 – Extended Foster Care: Led by Charles Smith with Mockingbird Society. This bill has encountered hurdles and may require amendments to advance.
SB 5911 – SSI Protections for Children: This legislation addresses the practice of the state using children’s SSI benefits to offset the cost of care. The bill seeks to ensure the state pays for care without relying on the child’s SSI payments. It currently has traction in the Senate.
Bridge Housing & Coalition Status
Both House and Senate budgets have been released.
- Bridge Housing programs are included in all budgets.
- The Bridge Coalition is funded in the Governor’s and Senate budgets, but NOT in the House Budget.
Advocacy conversations are underway with representatives to ensure the Coalition remains funded in the final reconciled budget.
The House and Senate will finalize their budgets and then convene to reconcile differences.
SHB 1929 Updates
Friends of Youth – SHB 1929 Westside Updates
Presenter: Blanca Gonzalez, Manager of Youth Haven & Bridge Pointe
Blanca expressed appreciation to Jim and NorthStar Advocates for ongoing advocacy and funding support.
Key Updates:
- The need for the program remains clear.
- Aftercare follow-up outcomes continue to demonstrate impact.
- The Coalition remains a critical coordination space.
Blanca emphasized that coordination with inpatient facilities at the front end is essential. When referrals occur immediately at discharge planning, transitions are significantly smoother. Delays after discharge make engagement more difficult.
The SUD component of Bridge Housing has been particularly eye-opening. The 90-day length of stay continues to prove effective for stabilization and transition preparation.
Additional update:
- The program has hired a new case manager to support participants.
Excelsior Wellness – SHB 1929 Eastside Updates
Presenter: Dylan Ramirez, Program Manager of TAY Services
Dylan echoed appreciation for Jim and the NorthStar team for building and sustaining the program framework.
Program Strengthening Efforts:
- Continued refinement of screening and intake alignment.
- Ongoing improvements to screening tools.
- Increased focus on long-term placement goals.
- Intentional outreach efforts to increase referrals.
While census is currently low, efforts are strategic and focused on long-term sustainability rather than rapid growth.
Provider-to-provider meetings with Friends of Youth have been especially beneficial in aligning program models and sharing learning across regions.
Care Coordination Update (Malecka- Care Coordinator):
- Assisting residents with housing resources.
- Supporting employment connections.
- Helping secure IDs and documentation.
- Life skills development.
- Outreach to Emergency Departments and stabilization units.
- Participation at the Spokane Homeless Coalition table.
Spokane County & MCO Coordination
Josh from Spokane County discussed ongoing intake and discharge referral coordination with MCOs to strengthen referral pipelines and cross-system communication.
Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program (P2P)
Presenter: Dr. Matt Layton / Dr. Poppy Gardiner
The Peer-to-Peer program originated after medical student Piper Wright shared that mentorship would have improved her experience. The conversation led to exploring how a mentorship model could better support youth.
Funding came from SMILE, an organization created by parents who lost their child to suicide. After serving as program advisor for 20 years, Dr. Layton helped steward remaining funds toward the development of Peer-to-Peer.
Core Focus: Belonging
The curriculum centers on belonging. Youth SUD is often driven by negative belonging and social determinants of health. The program seeks to cultivate positive belonging and healthy social connection.
Addiction often leads to isolation. Connection improves outcomes.
The curriculum includes:
- Brain health education.
- Dopamine and reward system education.
- Healthy friendships.
- The neuroscience of helping others.
- Leadership and team-building.
- Communication skills.
- Discussions on sensitive topics (mental health, substance use, risky behaviors, decision-making).
The program operates in six school districts, including rural and tribal communities.
Learning objectives include:
- Identifying signs of healthy community.
- Understanding factors that build community.
- Discussing ways to maintain connection.
- Building and preserving healthy social networks.
Team-building includes experiential activities such as zip-lining and other structured bonding experiences.
The model has potential to expand into young adult and clinical settings.
Peer support was emphasized as critical.
The first Suicide Prevention Summit was held last summer. The next summit will be held June 17. Participants are welcome.
Plans are underway to scale the model and apply for additional funding to expand reach.
Dr. Poppy Gardner facilitates a parent and family group.
Focus groups are being developed to continue refining the curriculum.
Sea Mar SUD Inpatient & Discharge Practices
Presenter: Megan Riley, Discharge Coordinator
Megan provided an overview of Sea Mar’s SUD inpatient program and discharge coordination model.
Sea Mar is a nonprofit organization designed to serve Hispanic individuals and operates a 28-day SUD inpatient program.
The discharge coordinator role was uniquely created; previously, counselors handled discharge planning.
Key Practices:
- Discharge planning begins immediately upon admission.
- Daily staffing discussions assess progress and readiness.
- Trauma-informed assessments guide housing placement decisions.
- Focus on meeting individuals where they are.
Sea Mar is SUD-primary (not dual diagnosis), though they provide:
- MAT services.
- Medication management.
Higher acuity and co-occurring needs are increasingly present. Megan expressed hope for stronger co-occurring care pathways.
Blanca at Friends of Youth is a key referral partner.
Barriers Identified:
- Language barriers.
- Family dynamics.
- Limited funding.
- Loss of King County Oxford grant funds.
- Confidentiality constraints limiting follow-up visibility.
Sea Mar will extend stays when necessary to prevent discharge into homelessness. Megan emphasized that they do not want young adults exiting into instability.
Sea Mar primarily serves Medicaid clients. Funding is limited.
There is strong interest in bridging gaps and identifying higher levels of care when needed.
Follow-up data is limited due to confidentiality restrictions.
Community Updates:
- No updates
Closing Comments:
- Sarah closed the meeting and thanked everyone for their support and active participation in this work and reminded the group the next meeting will be on March 23rd featuring HCA Foundational Community Support.
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