Rep. Peter Abbarno visits Centralia’s soon-to-open 23-hour crisis relief center
CONTACT: Jennifer Hansen, Senior Public Information Officer | 360-786-7720
Rep. Peter Abbarno visits Centralia’s soon-to-open 23-hour crisis relief center
Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, visited Cascade Community Healthcare’s soon-to-open crisis relief center in Centralia this week, getting an early look at a new regional resource designed to strengthen behavioral health services and reduce pressure on local emergency rooms and law enforcement.
Set to open in early January, the 23-hour crisis relief center is part of the statewide treatment model authorized by the Legislature in 2023 under Senate Bill 5120, a measure Abbarno supported to expand quicker, more effective behavioral health options across Washington.
During the tour, Cascade Community Healthcare leaders showed Abbarno the renovated facility, including the large open triage area, medical rooms, commercial kitchen, and secure spaces designed for individuals who may need isolation for safety reasons.
“This is the type of facility our region has needed for a long time,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “We’ve taken steps in the Legislature to expand access to behavioral health treatment, but we still have a long way to go. I appreciate Cascade Community Healthcare’s leadership in bringing this model to Lewis County.”
Abbarno has worked closely with Cascade Community Healthcare for several years as the organization has expanded its mental health services. The new crisis relief center will operate alongside Cascade’s existing voluntary and involuntary treatment programs, which have increasingly partnered with local law enforcement for safe drop-offs and reduced emergency room strain.
“This kind of collaboration between treatment providers and first responders is exactly what helps our communities respond more effectively to mental health and addiction crises,” Abbarno added. “When officers can bring someone directly to a specialized facility and return to duty quickly, everyone benefits—including the individual in crisis.”
Cascade leaders shared that while the facility is nearly ready to open, continued work is needed at the state level to address operational and long-term funding challenges.
Abbarno said these conversations will remain a priority during the upcoming legislative session.
Photo: Courtesy of The Chronicle
Learn more in The Chronicle’s full article here.
