Jefferson Healthcare and Jefferson Mental Health Services may partner to apply for a grant to establish an inpatient care facility in Jefferson County.

Jefferson Healthcare CEO Mike Glenn broached the subject at the Sept. 2 hospital commission meeting, noting that the state Legislature made $5 million available to communities to build crisis centers or inpatient psychiatric centers. Glenn noted that there is an Oct. 1 deadline to apply for funding.

Glenn said an arrangement with the private, not-for-profit mental health clinic was making progress this year and that not only was the hospital invited to weigh in on the hiring of Adam Marquis as executive director, but that the two health care systems are sharing psychiatrist Sue Ehrlich.

“Dr. Ehrlich sees patients and consults with providers in our primary care clinics up to four mornings per week, and is also serving as medical director for Jefferson Mental Health Services,” Glenn said.

“It wouldn't be a hospital service, but it would be an overnight center,” Glenn said of what he envisioned could be built.

Glenn said he would like to see some kind of program that would be able to accommodate both voluntary and involuntary admissions.

“Adam is excited about the prospect,” Glenn said of Marquis.

So were hospital commissioners.

Commissioner Tony DeLeo made a motion to support the idea of going for grant funds; the board approved unanimously.

Access to mental health and substance abuse care has been deemed the highest health priority for Jefferson County based on the recently completed community health assessment. That assessment, completed last year, was done in conjunction with the Jefferson County Public Health Department, Port Townsend School District and other entities, Glenn noted.

Jefferson County has a federal designation as being a mental health professional shortage area, and as a result, Jefferson County is eligible for federal and state programs to increase mental health care access, according to a report made to all agencies, including Jefferson County hospital commissioners, in January 2015.

Unknown is where such a facility would be located in Jefferson County.

JAIL EVALUATION

Glenn also said he had had a conversation with Sheriff David Stanko about health care services in the Jefferson County Jail.

“They have been purchasing that care through a third party, and Sheriff Stanko wondered if there was another model,” Glenn told the board.

Glenn said several hospital officials, including chief ancillary officer Lisa Holt, chief nursing officer Joyce Cardinal and chief medical officer Dr. Joe Mattern, were to go to the jail and review the services offered.

“We don't know much about providing medical services in a jail, but if we can help them out, we're happy to. It would be accurate to say running a service in a jail is not in our strategy plan,” Glenn said. “At a minimum, we will help them make a better decision.”