In May 2026, Erin Persky & Associates delivered the Whatcom County Behavioral Health Analysis, which presents analysis and recommendations for the delivery of behavioral health and substance use disorder services within a consolidated Behavioral Care Center (BCC).

This report was followed by an addendum that evaluates the size of the existing jail population potentially eligible for prosecutorial diversion as well as the corresponding demand for behavioral care beds if this entire population were diverted to out-of-custody behavioral care facilities.

For the purposes of the analysis, the authors used a 28-day program scenario and a 45-day program scenario. In practice, treatment programs are tailored to the specific needs of each patient, and these program lengths are used for estimation purposes.

❖ Average daily jail population potentially eligible: ~75
❖ Number of treatment beds needed to fully serve this population: 147 for 28-day program; 236 for 45-day program

The authors of the analysis emphasize that the underlying data are based solely on diversion eligibility from a three-month sample of jail inmates. It is important to understand that there are multiple limiting factors that further constrain participation in diversion programs as well as their potential for jail capacity relief.

You can review this research on the demand for prosecutorial diversion in our community here (cover memo and analysis) or on the Justice Project Plans and Reports Page.