Behavioral Health Advisory Board appoints new member, reopens homeless-representative seat

The Clallam County Behavioral Health Advisory Board voted Sept. 9 to appoint Abigail Barnett as the board’s advocate for substance use disorder and mental health services and to re‑advertise the services‑for‑the‑homeless seat.

County staff described Barnett as a peer‑support certified worker with a background in social services and personal experience supporting family members with mental‑health needs. A board member who interviewed Barnett said the candidate “will add a great perspective to our board.”

Board members discussed concerns about allowing more than one voting member from the same organization to serve simultaneously. Two recent applicants to different seats were both affiliated with OPCC (a local provider). Several members noted there is no explicit prohibition in the advisory board bylaws but raised the risk that multiple members from a single agency could create perceived or actual influence over votes. One member urged that if the board adopts a practice to limit multiple voting members from the same organization, that should be codified in the bylaws.

Given those concerns, the board approved Barnett’s appointment and decided to re‑advertise the services‑for‑the‑homeless vacancy rather than appoint another candidate from the same agency. The county will place Barnett’s appointment on the Board of County Commissioners agenda for final approval and will continue outreach to homeless-service providers to fill the remaining seat.

Board members asked staff to encourage broader recruitment and suggested board members make targeted outreach to potential candidates to ensure a diversity of community organizations are represented.