Spokane County is receiving $3 million in congressionally directed spending to expand its substance abuse and behavioral health services. County officials secured the federal funding through Sen. Patty Murray to support expansion of the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center, which opened in 2021. The complete expansion project is expected to cost around $21 million and will help fill gaps in the region in accessing and successfully completing care.
Facility Expansion Plans
The expansion will include a 17,000-square-foot addition to the existing building housing the crisis center. The enhanced facility will provide crisis relief and stabilization for walk-ins and referrals while bolstering mental health and substance use treatment services. The expansion will also enable more extensive withdrawal and detox management care, providing relief for local health care and criminal justice systems by better serving those who often cycle through both. Expanded service hours and extended facility access will make it a more comprehensive public resource.
According to Spokane County Commission Chair Mary Brooks, the funding “will allow us to expand and continue our primary focus of providing timely, recovery-focused care for those who need it most.” Senator Murray emphasized that “ensuring services are accessible around the clock is a critical component in ensuring those ready to receive treatment or in the midst of a mental health crisis are properly cared for.”
Funding Approach
In 2024, Spokane County commissioners devoted more than $5 million toward the project from settlements of state lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The state has also contributed $3 million. The remaining portion of the expected $21 million cost will likely be covered by the county’s mental health sales tax proceeds. Justin Johnson, director of community services for Spokane County, characterized the federal investment as essential: “This is more than an investment in a building – it is an investment in the future of our community.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/feb/19/murray-secures-3-million-for-spokane-county-substa/