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Board hears update on BHASO budget fight and scattered opioid settlement payments; Recovery Navigators funding at risk
Summary
Members heard that the North Sound BHASO is defending against a state 'clawback' and that the Recovery Navigators program administered by Compass Health faces potential full state budget cuts. Board members discussed arranging an update from BHASO representatives and noted small annual opioid-related payments to the county.
Mark Tompkins and other board members reported on behavioral-health funding and opioid-related funds during committee updates on April 16.
Tompkins said the North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BHASO) is working to defend funds that the state is attempting to reclaim. He told the board the BHASO has offered to return some money only if it can direct where those recovered funds would be spent. The board expressed concern about a state budget update that, Tompkins said, would eliminate the Recovery Navigators program administered by Compass Health—"a huge benefit to our county," he said—because the program works directly with district court to connect people with navigation supports.
Nut graf: The board requested staff arrange a BHASO presentation at a future meeting to explain the clawback dispute, local implications and alternative service models contemplated for the islands. Tompkins and members emphasized coordination with sheriff’s office options and crisis oversight groups if state funding is reduced.
Opioid settlement funds: Staff also summarized other opioid-related income streams the county receives. Tompkins said a non-distributor annual payment (NOAT) is a separate direct payment and that the county had received notice of an annual payment of about $3,000. He and colleagues said they plan to brief county council in May about opioid settlement work and to relay updates back to the board of health.
Ending: Board members agreed to seek a BHASO briefing and to monitor state budget developments that could affect Recovery Navigators and other behavioral-health services.
