Spokane County to receive Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force recommendations on mental‑health, diversion programs

A Spokane County commissioner said the Board of County Commissioners will receive recommendations at the end of May from the Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force, a regional group developing options to address public safety and health needs across Spokane County.

The commissioner told viewers that the Task Force — discussed at a Council of Governments meeting of elected officials from towns and cities throughout Spokane County — is focusing on expanding mental and behavioral health services, designing diversion programs, and identifying locations best suited for detention and mental‑health service beds. The commissioner said the group’s conveners and participants presented preliminary findings and options to local leaders.

The Task Force’s recommendations are intended to guide county-level planning and possible coordination with cities and service providers; the commissioner did not provide details on funding sources, exact service capacities, or preferred facility sites. The commissioner said the Board will receive the Task Force recommendations at the end of May for review and potential next steps.

No formal board action on the Task Force recommendations was reported in the update. The commissioner characterized the Task Force work as “working diligently to create a plan” and said more specifics will be available when the Board reviews the recommendations.