PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution approving funding recommendations totaling $7.4 million, presented by the Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Court Community Advisory Committee (CAC) at the Commissioners' briefing on Sept. 8 and approved at a regular business meeting on Oct. 13, 2025. Funds generated from the one-tenth of 1% sales and use tax are designated for mental health, chemical dependency, and therapeutic court services in Kitsap County.
"For too long, our emergency rooms, jails, and courts have served as the default response to mental health and substance use crises," said Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Christine Rolfes. "This investment allows us to continue to build a comprehensive system that connects people to care before crisis hits and supports lasting recovery. These partnerships are saving lives, restoring families, and strengthening our entire community.”
The 11-member committee, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, voted unanimously at its Aug. 6 meeting to recommend funding for 92% of the 36 proposals submitted.
The recommended awards total $7.4 million for the 12-month period beginning Jan. 1, 2026, with overall requests this year exceeding $16 million, a reflection of both rising needs and growing demand for behavioral health services throughout Kitsap County.
Each proposal received an in-depth review, with CAC members dedicating approximately 1.5 hours per proposal, equating to more than 450 hours of volunteer service. Beyond written applications, members evaluated historical data on sustainability, quarterly and mid-year reports, financial capacity, and outcomes achieved. They also considered alignment with the Continuum of Care, the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan for Behavioral Health Services, and available funding levels.
"The dedication shown by both our Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and our community partners is remarkable," said Program Planner Hannah Shockley. "Our contractors invest deeply in this process, sharing data, outcomes, and stories that reflect their commitment to serving Kitsap residents. The committee, in turn, engages with that complex information thoughtfully and respectfully, bringing diverse perspectives together to reach sound, community-driven recommendations. Their combined efforts reflect the best of collaboration and shared purpose in strengthening our behavioral health system."
Since the Treatment Sales Tax program's inception in 2013 and first funding cycle in 2014, when $2.9 million funded 11 programs, the number of funded initiatives has increased by 200%, demonstrating Kitsap County's growing investment in behavioral health infrastructure and recovery supports.
Ongoing funding continues for several cornerstone programs, including District Court's Behavioral Health Court, Juvenile Drug and Individualized Courts, Superior Court's Adult Drug Court, and Veterans Court. Law enforcement related support also remains a priority, with continued funding for a Crisis Intervention Officer and two Reentry Coordinators serving behavioral health calls and jail reentry services.
Newly funded programs for 2026 include:
- South Kitsap School District – Student Assistance Program (SAP) pilot
- Scarlet Road – In-house Behavioral Health Program
- Peninsula Community Health Services – Mobile Clinic initiative
- Suquamish Tribe – Transportation program
- Weaver Foundation – Recovery housing beds
- City of Poulsbo – Recovery Café and Resource Center
The 2026 funding recommendations span four nationally recognized phases of the behavioral health Continuum of Care, supporting prevention, crisis intervention, treatment, and long-term recovery. Funding allocations are as follows:
- $1,090,000 – Prevention and Early Intervention
- $910,000 – Crisis Intervention
- $4,520,000 – Treatment Services
- $880,000 – Recovery and Long-Term Supports
These investments represent a shared commitment between the County, its community partners, and the CAC to strengthen behavioral health outcomes, expand access to care, and foster a more resilient Kitsap County.
A complete list of the funding recommendations approved by Commissioners is available at http://www.kitsap.gov/hs/Pages/CAC-Landing.aspx
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