The Health District would like to contract with Ideal Option to leverage Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) funds for expanding medication anticipated treatment (MAT) access through the implementation of a Medical Transportation Pilot.

In July and September all Board Committees were presented with the proposal of a Peer Support Specialist and two potential transportation options:

• Provide funding to Ideal Option to lease a vehicle and staff a driver
• Implement a voucher program for a ride-hailing transportation service

Board Committees and staff discussed possible alternatives to implementing this work, including the District staffing a mobile clinic, setting up a clinic in the Sultan area, or contracting with a taxi service company. After receiving input from Board members, and following up on questions and concerns voiced during those meetings, staff believe the best path forward is to contract with Ideal Option to hire a peer support specialist and lease a vehicle to execute the implementation of a Medical Transportation Pilot.  By providing dedicated transportation services, individuals suffering from substance use disorders can access appropriate treatment and other services not offered in their immediate area. 

Ideal Option currently operates a medical transportation program based in their Everett clinic. This program serves approximately 600 clients per year and has been very successful at connecting folks who have difficulties using transportation to the clinic for appointments. The new Sky Valley transportation pilot project will leverage the success of this model with several modifications to ensure even better utilization by the community. With a designated transportation van, clients will have designated pick-up spots throughout the community. The service will make it much easier for folks from the area, especially East Sky Valley, to get to clinic and pharmacy providers in Monroe. It will also provide additional recovery support to clients through the inclusion of a peer navigator. This project will provide much needed transportation access to the 3,800 residents of the census tract served by the HRSA project, as well as the thousands of individuals living within the boundaries of the cities of Gold Bar and Sultan. Implementation of this project will coincide with the re-opening of Ideal Option’s Monroe clinic location, and will allow individuals in these communities to quickly connect to much needed services, both with Ideal Option and other service providers.

This budget is meant to off-set, but not cover the anticipated cost to expand sustainable evidence-based access to MAT treatment in rural Snohomish County. The proposed community has a clear need for additional treatment services, but without appropriate funding Ideal Option faces overwhelming challenges to expand sustainable quality care.

The total cost of implementing this program is $103,680 and would be completely funded through our HRSA grant.  This request to use funds for this purpose has been approved by HRSA.

Consistent with Resolution 19-20 and the revised Division of Responsibilities (10/8/19), the Board of Health has authority over the Health District budget.

MOVE TO authorize the Administrative Officer to enter into an agreement with Ideal Option to implement the MAT Expansion project for Rural Snohomish County under the HRSA grant.