Building on recent funding awarded through the Association of Washington Cities Alternative Response Team Grant, the City of Shelton is advancing two strategic partnerships to strengthen behavioral health coordination and expand community-based care.
Partnership with TMBH-ASO
In partnership with the Thurston Mason Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization, the City is supporting the establishment of a Behavioral Health System of Care Coordinator position. This role will serve as a central point of connection between providers, first responders, hospitals, law enforcement, and community organizations.
The Coordinator will improve collaboration during crisis response, identify service gaps, track local data trends, and provide updates to City and County leadership. By strengthening system level coordination, Shelton is building the infrastructure needed to ensure residents receive timely, appropriate support.
Expansion of Mobile Integrated Health
The City is also supporting the expansion of the North Mason Regional Fire Authority’s Mobile Integrated Health Program through the addition of a Certified Peer Support Specialist/Community Health Worker.
This position, while working in the Shelton/Mason County community, will combine lived experience with structured health navigation to build trust, provide stabilization in the field, assist with access to behavioral health care, housing and recovery services, and reduce repeat 911 calls and unnecessary emergency room visits. The position also addresses social factors such as transportation, food access, and benefits enrollment that often contribute to repeated system involvement.
MIHP delivers medical, mental health, and substance use services directly to individuals in their homes and community settings. The addition of this role strengthens field response by combining lived experience with structured community health support and resource navigation.
A Coordinated Approach
Together, these partnerships strengthen both direct response and system coordination. The City of Shelton is intentionally prioritizing solutions that reduce crisis, increase access to care, and support long term stability for residents in need.
By aligning leadership, data, and compassionate field response, Shelton is taking deliberate steps toward a more responsive and accountable system of care for the community.