EvergreenHealth's Recovery Center, City of Monroe Partner to Provide Free Substance Use Disorder Treatment to Those in Need

The Scholarship Bed Program has so far given 13 community members the opportunity for treatment who likely would not have received care otherwise

MONROE, Wash. — The City of Monroe and the Recovery Center at EvergreenHealth Monroe have successfully partnered to provide addiction treatment free of charge for community members who otherwise would likely be unable to receive care.

Beginning in 2022, the Recovery Center, dedicated to treating individuals experiencing all types of substance use disorders, and Monroe officials have identified funding from federal and local sources to support the development of the inpatient Scholarship Bed Program.

With initial funding coming from an American Rescue Plan (ARP) grant, the program is geared toward helping unhoused, un- or underinsured community members who need substance use disorder treatment. Throughout the program, individuals who have benefited have been identified by Monroe social workers within the Monroe Police Department Community Outreach Team.

"The partnership and overwhelming support the Recovery Center has received from the City of Monroe has and continues to make a lasting impact on these individuals' futures and our community," said Eric Britt, director of the Recovery Center. "My team and I have observed a dramatic change in these patients who would likely not have access to this care if it were not for our program. I'm so proud of our patients – and the work we've done and the work we continue to do every day for all of our patients. We look forward to continuing to partner with Monroe and our community on helping those in need discover the path to recovery."

These individuals are often unhoused and have numerous overwhelming barriers to treatment, including extensive histories of trauma as well as mental and physical health concerns. In addition to providing structure, education, support, and aftercare planning to address their addictions, the Recovery Center also addresses other basic needs, such as safety, nutritious meals, clothes and hygiene, housing, and access to health care needs like medications and scheduling follow-up appointments.

"Expanding the continuum of care to the most vulnerable people in Monroe is the right thing to do," said Mayor of Monroe Geoffrey Thomas. "We are grateful for this opportunity to partner with EvergreenHealth's Recovery Center. We are grateful for the support of Snohomish County and the Association of Washington Cities in making Monroe a safe place for all."

Shortly after implementation, five program recipients successfully graduated from the program. One of these graduates was a 28-year-old man experiencing opioid and methamphetamine use disorders. Unhoused and unemployed, his primary motivation for recovery was to be stable for his daughter. The Scholarship Bed Program gave him the opportunity to gain stability, obtain housing and connect with a sponsor. Following the program, he was discharged to Catholic Community Services for outpatient care as well as mental health treatment and medication management.

Following the early success of the program, Britt and Monroe Human Services Coordinator Rachel Adams have sought additional resources to fund scholarships.

"The Evergreen Health Recovery Center team has been a valuable partner to our Law Enforcement Embedded Social Worker Team and community partners engaged in regular outreach and case management by providing swift local access to services," said Adams.

For 2023, the program received $66,000 from the City of Monroe, $66,000 from the Association of Washington Cities Alternative Response Team Grant, which matched the city's award, and $66,000 from the Snohomish County Partnership Proposal.

Find more information about the Recovery Center at EvergreenHealth Monroe here.