Health engagement hub
Health engagement hubs serve as an all-in-one location where people who use drugs can access a range of medical, harm reduction, and social services. The Health Care Authority (HCA), in collaboration with the Department of Health, will oversee the implementation of this effort to ensure efforts align with cross-agency goals around expansion of services and resources through public health and behavioral health systems.
The concept of health engagement hubs in a result of community engagment efforts, most notably, the State Opioid and Response Plan (SOORP) Goal 3 Workgroup and the Substance Use Services Recovery Advisory Committee (SURSAC).
On this page
Legislation
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5536 (RCW 71.24.112) states that the Health Care Authority "shall implement a pilot program for health engagement hubs by August 1, 2024. The pilot program will test the functionality and operability of health engagement hubs, including whether and how to incorporate and build on existing medical, harm reduction, treatment, and social services in order to create an all-in-one location where people who use drugs can access such services."
In 2024, ESSB 5950 appropriated an additional $3 million to expand the health engagement hub program to include three additional hubs in state fiscal year 2025.
Pilot program
Health engagement hubs have been established in five locations. The sites serve rural and urban areas, as well as tribal communities, across Washington state. They are located within tribal health clinics, federally qualified health centers, behavioral health agencies, and legacy syringe services programs.
Sites were selected in two phases, with the initial two pilots selected in spring 2024 and the three expansion sites selected in summer 2024. The response window has now closed.
- View the past Survey for Interest for the pilot program and the corresponding FAQ.
- View the Q & A from the initial round of program funding.
Resources
- Research articles evaluating accessibility and treatment outcomes of low barrier medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in Washington state
- Washington syringe service program directory
- Collection of research on syringe service programs
- 2023 Washington syringe service program health survey results