Community professionals demand preservation of TrueStar Behavioral Health services for at-risk youth

In a pivotal meeting held on June 3, 2025, at the Clallam County government building, community members voiced their concerns over the potential closure of TrueStar Behavioral Health, a vital resource for local youth struggling with substance use disorders. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as a substance use disorder professional, who has dedicated 15 years to working with teenagers, passionately advocated for the program's continuation.

The speaker highlighted TrueStar's unique position in the community, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to helping high-risk youth. "They are the only program that really has been consistent over a long period of time for juveniles," the professional stated, underscoring the program's integral role in the lives of families facing severe challenges. With a network of referrals from schools and counseling agencies, TrueStar has become synonymous with hope for many families in crisis.

As discussions unfolded, the speaker acknowledged the county's efforts to provide treatment options within jails, expressing excitement about these initiatives. However, they raised a critical question: "Is there any way to do this without cutting TrueStar Behavioral Health?" The concern was palpable, as the speaker urged the commissioners to consider the ramifications of losing such an established program, which has trained and retained skilled professionals like Julie Leonard Buckman, who has been with TrueStar for over two decades.

The emotional weight of the discussion was evident, as the speaker shared a personal connection to the program, stating, "If my own kids had a substance use disorder, I would refer to TrueStar." This sentiment resonated with many in attendance, who recognized the irreplaceable expertise and trust that TrueStar has built within the community.

In a call to action, the speaker offered their assistance to the commissioners, expressing a willingness to collaborate on finding solutions that would allow both the jail programs and TrueStar to coexist. "I believe all of you guys are in these positions because you're really good problem solvers," they remarked, inviting dialogue and cooperation.

The meeting also touched on other pressing issues, including the need for measurable goals in the county's homelessness task force plan. Mark Curtis from Sequim urged the commissioners to hold the task force accountable for implementing these goals, a sentiment that was met with agreement from the board.

As the meeting concluded, the community's commitment to supporting its youth and addressing pressing social issues was clear. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between developing new programs and preserving established services that have proven effective. The future of TrueStar Behavioral Health remains uncertain, but the voices of those who rely on its services are a powerful reminder of the impact such programs have on the community.