One Step Closer to Meeting Youth Behavioral Health Needs

Washington Governor Inslee behavioral health bills signing (Photo Credit: Office of Governor Inslee)

The state of Washington is one step closer to meeting youth behavioral health needs following Governor Jay Inslee’s recent signature of multiple bills passed during the 2024 state legislative session. Hugh Ewart and colleagues actively involved in advocating for both HB2256 and SB5853 were present to witness the bills signing.

HB 2256, sponsored by state representative Lisa Callan, advances the state’s youth behavioral health strategic planning process. Hugh Ewart teamed up with clinical experts to draft the original bill passed in 2023 - upon which HB 2256 expands - requiring creation of a strategic plan that meets behavioral health needs from prenatal care to age 25. The plan will identify the roadmap of policy improvements and investments required to provide a high quality and effective youth behavioral health system and make Washington State a national leader. The plan will require significant improvements as the state has been viewed nationally as lagging in comparison to other states. 

SB 5853, sponsored by state senator Manka Dhingra, will provide another care option for youth in crisis by creating 23-hour crisis relief centers specifically serving young people. These centers help to stabilize patients with short-term evaluation, assessment, and referral if needed to care in other settings. Hugh and colleagues advocated for the legislature to extend this care option to children which is currently only available to adults in Washington state. 23-hour crisis relief centers are one more crucial tool that will help reduce the unprecedented volumes of youth in hospital emergency departments because they are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.