Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder – Tax Supported Projects

The 1/10th of 1% Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Tax is helping our community. Learn how this small investment is having a big impact.


Community Builders

2024 Highlight Community Builders

Community Builders

Community Builders is a non-profit that helps youth in Upper Kittitas County. They opened The Shop Teen Center in Cle Elum. The Shop is a safe place for teens. They have activities and support groups to build community. These connections support mental health and substance use prevention efforts. Learn more here: The Shop Teen Center

Central Washington University (CWU) – Community Clinic

2024 Highlight CWU Community Builders

The CWU Community Clinic is offering free counseling to youth aged 6-17 and their families. Patient referrals come from schools, the Ellensburg Police Department, and other organizations. These referrals help them to connect with kids in need. Learn how to get services here: Central Washington University | Community Clinic

Comprehensive Healthcare

2024 Highlight Comprehensive Healthcare Community Builders
Comprehensive Healthcare is a behavioral health care program. Their project staffs mental health professionals in the Kittitas Valley Hospital (KVH) Emergency Department. They help people in crisis. Learn more here: Comprehensive Healthcare Project Page

Kittitas County Jail

2024 Highlight KC Jail

Kittitas County Jail
The Kittitas County Jail hired a registered nurse to evaluate incoming patients for mental and behavioral health challenges. They provide risk evaluation and medication management.

Kittitas County Behavioral Health Court (BHC)

County Jail
BHC is a specialized court for people with mental health and substance use disorders. The goal of the program is to help individuals achieve recovery, wellbeing, and stability.

Kittitas County Friends of Animals (KCFOA)

Community Builders
KCFOA is a volunteer non-profit animal rescue organization. They offer financial assistance to qualifying people. This can be used to pay for veterinary costs for animals who give mental health support. Learn more here: KCFOA - Assistance

Kittitas County Recovery Community Organization (KCRCO)

County Jail
KCRCO (Recently renamed Peers Rising) is a non-profit that helps people achieve long-term recovery. This is through education, advocacy, and community. They are expanding their services in Kittitas County. Learn more here: Kittitas County Recovery Community Organization

Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Basin (BNGClub)

Community Builders
BNGClub is an organization offering low-cost after school programs, clubs, and events. They hired a Behavioral Support Specialist to implement the STRIVE program - Support, Tools, and Resilience for Inspiring Vulnerable Youth. Learn more here: Boys & Girls Club of the Columbia Basin

Kittitas County School Districts

Schools play a vital role in identifying and supporting students’ mental health needs. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) authorized one-third of 1/10th of 1% Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Tax revenue for public schools.

The School districts in Kittitas County are:

  • Damman School District
  • Ellensburg School District
  • Thorp School District
  • Kittitas School District
  • Easton School District
  • Cle Elum-Roslyn School District

All districts in Kittitas County accepted the funding. and are using it to support the mental health of students.