RSN - Mental Health
As the county administrator of the local public mental health system, Regional Support Network(RSN) conducts its mission and Quality Management Plan under the authority of two governments: Washington State and Spokane County. These Mission statements and their principles read as follows:
Spokane Regional Support Network Mission Statement
The mission of the Spokane County Regional Support Network is to assure that a choice of flexible and responsive community resources are available and accessible to individuals and families experiencing a mental illness. These resources shall value health and safety, preservation of dignity and empowerment, individual and ethnic uniqueness, personal growth and enrichment, and community participation.
Mental Health Division Mission Statement
The mission of Washington State’s mental health system is to ensure that people of all ages experiencing mental illness can better manage their illness; achieve their personal goals; and live, work, and participate in their community. We are committed to take actions consistent with these values: We value the strengths and assets of consumers and their families and seek to include their participation in decision-making and policy-setting. We respect and celebrate the cultural and other diverse qualities of each consumer. We work in partnership with allied community providers to deliver quality individualized supports and services. We treat people with respect, equality, courtesy, and fairness.
These two mission statements drive the work that emerges from the Spokane RSN. These mission statements also focus attention on the importance of consumer choice and voice; flexible, accessible, individualized services; recognition of and respect for individual and ethnic uniqueness; and focus upon strength-based normalizing activities which promote community integration.
Description and history of the RSN
In 1989, the Washington State Legislature passed SSB5400. This legislation revised the Community Mental Health Act and removed the oversight authority for the provision of outpatient mental health services from the State Department of Social and Health Services and decentralized this oversight responsibility, creating local entities called Regional Support Networks (RSN). Spokane RSN is one such local entity. The Spokane RSN is responsible for the full range of community-based mental health services and community inpatient care for eligible clients (see below for specific population eligibility).
The catchment area for the Spokane RSN includes all of Spokane County, which encompasses 1,758 square miles (2.7% of state land mass). Spokane County’s population totals 417,939 (2000 census) persons, of which 52% live in incorporated areas (90% of those persons reside in the City of Spokane) and 48% reside in unincorporated areas of Spokane County. As of 2000, 91.4% of the populations was identified as Caucasian, 1.5% as African-American, 1.6% as Hispanic (all races), 2.03% as Asian/Pacific Islander, and 1.4% as Native American.
Under the legislative statutes of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and administrative regulations of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), the Washington State governance and contract authority of the public mental health system within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and its Mental Health Division (MHD), Spokane RSN conducts its administration of the mental health system under successive biennial contracts between the Spokane County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and DSHS/MHD.
Tribal Relationships and Information
Consumer Guides to Public Mental Health Services
Practice Guidelines
Mental Health Advisory Board
The Mental Health Advisory Board consists of up to 12 members appointed by the Spokane County Board of Commissioners. Members are chosen for their demonstrated concern for mental health issues. Members of the Board are representative of the community, and we encourage members of minority groups and people in recovery and resilience to participate in our Advisory Board. It is helpful in the review process if applicants identify themselves as people in recovery or as a member of a minority group.
Unless otherwise scheduled, the advisory board meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Services Building at 312 West 8th Avenue in the 5th floor conference room. If you are interested in applying to the Mental Health Advisory Board, please print the attached application below, complete and sign the document, and mail it to the Board of County Commissioners, 1116 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260. For additional information, you are encouraged to read the related advisory board attachments below or you may contact Suzie McDaniel at (509) 477-4510 or SMcDaniel@spokanecounty.org.
Thank you for your interest.
Location
Mailing Address
Regional Support Network (RSN) - Mental Health
312 W. 8th Ave
Spokane, WA 99204
Contact Us
E-mail Form: Regional Support Network (RSN)
Phone: (509) 477-5722
Toll Free: (800) 273-5864
Fax: (509) 477-6204
Relay Service of Washington: (800) 833-6384
Hours
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday (excluding holidays)