Board hears possible cuts to foundational public health services and a behavioral-health pilot rollout

Dave Windham, an administration official with Mason County Public Health, briefed the board on preliminary state budget proposals and on a behavioral-health pilot the department is launching with Mason Health.

Windham said the House budget proposal would reduce statewide foundational public health services (FPHS) funding by roughly 4 percent (about $10 million per year across the state over two years), while the Senate proposal showed a roughly $44 million reduction across the same biennium (about $22 million per year). He said reconciliation talks could change those totals, and that Mason County staff expect the final figure to be closer to the House proposal but remain uncertain until the Legislature finishes action. Any contract changes based on final FPHS funding would take effect July 1, the start of the fiscal period.

Windham also described a behavioral-health pilot that uses a referral code tied to local providers. He said Mason Health will get a referral code so the county can track who refers clients into the pilot; the app couples automated digital triage with the ability to schedule appointments with counselors or peer listeners. Windham said the county is testing the technology in rural settings and plans outreach to North Mason and tribal partners.

Board members asked whether the pilot had been field-tested; Windham described testing it on his phone and receiving follow-up prompts. A commissioner noted a user who reported slower response in one instance; Windham said partner clinics will manage referrals and follow-up.

Windham concluded by inviting questions on the FPHS budget, noting that federal funding lines were currently stable and the department will continue monitoring state action through reconciliation.