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.
Pilot program
Health engagement hubs will be piloted per the Legislature in two locations; one rural and one urban site. The concept of health engagement hubs is a result of various community engagement processes, most notably the State Opioid and Response Plan (SOORP) Goal 3 Workgroup and the Substance Use Services Recovery Advisory Committee (SURSAC).
The response window has now closed.
- View the Survey for Interest for the pilot program and the corresponding FAQ.
- View the Q & A from the initial round of program funding.
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. Responses to the survey for interest are currently being considered for funding.