Public health to use Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan to guide opioid-settlement RFPs; commissioners seek fund forecast

Kittitas County Public Health staff told commissioners on April 23 that the department plans to use existing community health planning documents to satisfy opioid-settlement community-input requirements and to focus upcoming RFPs.

At the study session, Kasey Knutson said opioid-settlement funds impose requirements on participating local governments, including ensuring opportunity for community-based input on program priorities. Knutson recommended using the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to identify community priorities and to narrow the RFP scope without creating a new advisory board.

Commissioners Laura Osiadacz and Brett Wachsmith agreed with the approach. Commissioner Osiadacz and Commissioner Wachsmith asked about the total funds available through the settlements; Chelsey Loeffers said she is working with the Auditor's office to better forecast which funds are one-time or otherwise limited and that she will update the board at future meetings.

The department indicated the existing CHA/CHIP process "satisfies the requirements of community input" and would allow staff to move forward with RFP preparation. No formal action or vote was taken on the item during the study session.

Next steps: staff will continue coordination with the Auditor's office to refine the funding forecast and will update the board in future meetings.