Tom Millspaugh awarded certificate of appreciation for years of service to county

POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) presented a certificate of appreciation to Charles Thomas Millspaugh, signed a contract for jail services, and listened to presentations from Greater Columbia Basin Health and Quality Behavioral Health (QBH) at their meeting on February 5.

Recognizing his years of service to the county, the commissioners presented Tom Millspaugh with a certificate of appreciation. Millspaugh served many years on the Civil Service board, including years as Chief Examiner.

The BOCC signed an intergovernmental agreement with Whitman County, approving a contract for jail services. Garfield County inmates will be housed as needed in Whitman County's jail for $99.40 per inmate per day.

Danika Gwinn, QBH's Clinical Director, met with the commissioners to discuss updates on programs and program numbers. Due to staffing shortage, QBH's Crisis Team will be operating via telehealth. Their goal to go back to in-person service has been complicated by a four-to-six month waiting period for Designated Crisis Responder certification at the state level. Gwinn also discussed the Youth Mobile Crisis Team, a new program consisting of four certified peers, people who have lived experience with mental health issues and substance abuse and are now offering help to others. "They have returned to help others who might be in their shoes," Gwinn stated.

Greater Columbia Basin Health representatives presented information about their Youth Access and Resource Program, prioritizing teen mental health, destigmatizing mental health needs, and providing financial assistance to youth. The program has been implemented in Benton and Franklin counties, and is being tentatively expanded in surrounding counties as well, according to Zachary Roddy, QBH's Community Behavioral Health Youth Navigator.