On March 4th All Hands Whatcom met with policymakers at the state and local levels to discuss the barriers and recent successes regarding policy and advocacy on the Opioid Epidemic.

Recording of the March 4th All Hands Whatcom Policy Discussion

Panelists and Participants:

Greg Thompson, MD, MPH, Co-Director of the Whatcom County Health Department

Tom Wynn, SUDP, Recovery Courts Coordinator

Robin Willins, MSW, LICSW, Mental Health Court Program Manager

Cindy Grande, MD

Kris Shera, HCA

Garrett Jeffery, DO, FAAFP, NWMS President, SectionChief Family Medicine, PeaceHealth

Whatcom County Sheriff Tanksley 

Eric Ritchey, Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney

Heather Flaherty, Executive Director, Chuchanut Health Foundation

Psychiatry Consultation Line is a free curbside consultation service for healthcare providers treating adult patients experiencing mental health and/or substance use conditions. Funded by Washington State, this program is for prescribing and non-prescribing providers anywhere in Washington who want to consult with a psychiatrist about patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

Update: Psychiatrists are also now available to advise on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), in addition to all other mental health and substance use conditions.

Outreach: Consultations are available on Zoom or Teams to talk about the program and answer questions.

NWMS Philanthropy

The Board of Directors has voted to again fund the North Sound Race and Health Equity Conference & Scholarship, as well as the NWMS Western Washington University Pre-Med Scholarship*. $1000 will be given to each of these funds in 2024.

*to make a gift at WWU, enter Medical Society in the search field

The 4th North Sound Race and Health Equity Conference

April 13, 2024

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Center

Mount Vernon, WA

REGISTER

Soul Care for Helpers and Healers

April 12 - 14, 2024

Mutiny Bay

Whidbey Island

Facilitator: Dr. Joe Sherman

Physician Leadership for Transformational Change

September 19-22

Mutiny Bay

Whidbey Island

Facilitator: Dr. Joe Sherman

This is a 25 CME Credit Hour program open to a maximum of 15 physicians

This will be held on the same property as the Soul Care Retreat

More information is available here:

https://joeshermanmd.com/whidbey-island-retreat/

https://youtu.be/vTwhziZBaeQ

April Metz de Montiel, NWMS Executive Director

Jack Mezzone, WWU Senior

2023-2024 NWMA Scholarship Recipient

Western Washington University Dinner, February 27, 2024

Whatcom Clubhouse supports adults with persistent mental illness in rebuilding confidence, skills, and relationships for successful reintegration into the community and productive, independent living.

Whatcom Clubhouse currently has 30 active members. They report feeling very accepted and “free to make goals in a safe environment”. They are provided structure and feel needed, often commenting on how they no longer feel isolated.  

Many members have struggled with drug use and several have spent time in jail. Whatcom Clubhouse has helped them connect to social services, find housing, and get support to stay drug-free. There are several who say that the Whatcom Clubhouse has “saved their life” by being there to help get out of abusive or homeless situations. 

Many have lost family support because of difficult pasts, and find the Clubhouse to be new “family”. They are working on art projects, and have started playing music, and it is extremely heartwarming, as every time I’m there, I’m thanked profusely. 

-Dr. Marcy Hipskind

Whatcom Clubhouse is a non-profit, day support, psychosocial rehabilitation, safe environment for adults with a mental health condition. Run by peers and support staff.

Thank you to our community donors for supporting Whatcom Clubhouse members!