Public Health

In early 2022, Skagit County launched the North Star Project, a joint effort between Skagit County and the cities of Burlington, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, and Sedro-Woolley to better align resources and services to address the complex behavioral health and homelessness challenges in our community.

 
More and more services and resources are being utilized to support a growing population of individuals suffering, with little to no lasting improvement in their long-term well-being and ability to thrive. Our city mayors and county commissioners have taken a stance because our community’s chronic homelessness and chronic health problems are unacceptable. Waiting for a state or federal solution will not work – it is a community issue that requires a community response. People are suffering, and we must act now.

Phase 1 (2022) – Established of a robust Leadership Team and Advisory Group Charter, mapped out current resources, gaps, and opportunities, developed our Guiding Principles and an overarching framework built around the Vital Conditions.

The following principles will guide North Star project efforts. These Guiding Principles will remain consistent despite changes to our goals, strategies, work, or governance.

Our Guiding Principles include:

• Integrated & Coordinated System
• Vital Conditions Framework
• Focus on Root Causes
• Sustainable Funding
• Robust Workforce
• Collaboration over Independence
• Recovery-Oriented System of Care
• Prioritized Population
  

The Vital Conditions Framework is foundational to the development of our strategies and goals and success of the North Star project. This framework is centered around the factors that all people depend on to reach their full potential, including:

• Belonging & Civic Muscle - Healthy, fulfilling relationships and strong social supports provide a foundation for individuals and families to thrive.
• Thriving Natural World – Healthy, clean environments free from environmental hazards are necessary for community and individual well-being.
• Basic Needs for Health & Safety – Physical and mental well-being starts with access to fresh air and water, nutritious food, and a stable home.
• Humane Housing – Stable, safe, disaster-resilient housing in diverse, vibrant communities fosters full, productive lives for individuals and families.
• Meaning Work & Wealth – Fulfilling jobs that pay a living wage and facilitate economic mobility contribute to healthy, secure lives.
• Lifelong Learning – Dynamic learning opportunities increase literacy, knowledge, skills, and insight that help people thrive across the lifespan.
• Reliable Transportation – Accessible, reliable, and safe transportation connects people to health care, work, learning, social activities, and civic engagement opportunities.

Implementation is currently underway! Our Leadership and Advisory teams are actively working on the following action items:

• Mobilizing a Care Management Task Force to better serve those who are chronically homeless and who suffer from a disabling condition, including substance use disorder, serious mental illness, complex medical problems or severe trauma.
• Launching a care management software platform to improve data sharing and efficiency among service partners. This will be achieved through convening an information network team.
• Developing a robust Action Plan to address the needs of those suffering from substance use disorder and mental health issues in our community. 
• Developing a shared Housing Agenda to increase the supply, quality, and diversity of housing.
• Implementing  a Shared Funding Framework across jurisdictions that aligns with the North Star framework, priorities, and target population.
• Ensuring solutions are data driven by using research-based frameworks, models, and practices.
• Integrating Community Voice throughout the process to ensure that goals and strategies are in alignment with the true needs of our community.