Clatsop Behavioral Health Care previews new clinic, 32-unit Baker Building and Spanish-language access push

Clatsop Behavioral Health Care executive director Shaira Morella told the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on April 16 that the organization has opened a consolidated adult and child outpatient clinic on the East Side of Astoria and is progressing on a 32-unit permanent supportive housing project on Marine Drive called the Baker Building.

"We're really proud of this new location," Morella said of the consolidated clinic, which is located next to the VA and includes separate lobbies for adults and children. She said the Baker Building foundation was laid the previous week and the project is "on track to wrap up in December," with housing-support specialist job descriptions being posted and lease-up planning underway.

The update covered CBH's recent strategic planning work, language-access efforts for Spanish speakers and expanded youth services. Morella said CBH hired an implementation-focused consultant team that helped translate organizational priorities into goals with named leads and deadlines, and that the organization has developed posters with QR codes and a translated webpage to improve Spanish-language access.

CBH is pursuing funding with Columbia Pacific CCO to hire an in‑person Spanish-language translator, Morella said, noting telephonic interpreter services have been inadequate for many clients. "When we actually have people who speak Spanish in person, utilization numbers in that specific department go up," she said. Morella said she will meet with the local Latino advocacy organization Consejo Hispano to coordinate the work.

On youth services, Morella said Child and Family Services is serving about 250 youth and families countywide, with 51 admissions and 50 discharges year to date. She highlighted parenting classes, a two‑day "connection camp" planned for June, and plans to seek funding for a full‑time school‑based substance‑use counselor (CADC) and a peer support worker to expand school outreach and treatment access. CBH's child and family department is integrated with the crisis team to provide mobile crisis response and follow-up stabilization services, she said.

Commissioner Banks asked about federal funding for CBH and voiced concern that explicit references to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in public documents could risk federal support. "I'm just worried about number 3 being verbalized in documentation for you guys if you are receiving federal funding," Banks said. Morella responded that federal support is "a bit" of CBH revenue and estimated roughly $780,000 in federal funds, but said most federal funds come through the state and that state leadership remains committed to DEI. Commissioner Webb added that the governor has expressed support for protecting DEI in state pass‑through funds.

Commissioners and Morella discussed tracking foster‑care involvement in CBH services; Morella said foster‑care counts are not currently separated in her department's statistics but she can work with child welfare staff and CBH administrative staff to provide that data if the board wants it.

Morella said the shore‑side Seaside clinic will be repurposed starting June 12 as a rapid‑access walk‑in facility for adults with substance‑use and mental‑health needs; she is seeking separate office space in South County to relocate pediatric outpatient services.

The commissioners thanked Morella for the update and for progress on the Baker Building and the language‑access and youth initiatives. No formal actions or votes were taken during the work session update.

The board requested follow‑up information on foster‑care engagement in CBH services, documentation about funding sources for the translator position, and confirmation of the Baker Building timeline and operational plans as staffing is posted.