Creating the idea for the CATT was easy but figuring out how much it will cost is much harder. In September, when the Board of County Commissioners instructed us to move forward with analyzing the recommended sites, we were also directed to evaluate the cost of the program. There are two sides to this work: estimating the cost of buying and renovating the buildings and figuring out the cost of operating the clinical services.

We are working with an architect who is helping us with preliminary building layout and estimating how much it will cost to do the renovations. To make sure we aren’t missing anything, the buildings are also undergoing a full analysis of mechanical systems, roofs, windows and seismic considerations. This information, along with the purchase price, will help us compare and understand the costs involved to open the CATT at two of the three proposed sites.

Estimating the cost of services is a little more challenging. The development team has created sample staffing plans, analyzed budgets from other programs, and worked closely with two local treatment providers to check our assumptions. With this information in hand, we’ve identified which services can be billed to the Oregon Health Plan and private insurance companies, then estimated the possible revenue.

We know we need more money than we currently have. We are hopeful that new funding from Measure 110, the opioid legal settlements, grants and other identified resources will supply the funding we need to fill the gaps and achieve our vision for the CATT.

All of the financial information will be compiled into a written analysis that will be presented to the board. This will help them make the final decision about purchasing property and approving the costs to open the center.

Making sure the CATT is being developed with the community’s needs in mind is a priority for us. We’re working on a plan with the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement to make sure our residents’ voices are heard as the project moves forward. This plan will give special attention to culturally specific communities and those most affected by the project. Here are two of the key components:

✔ Create a feedback form

More than 200 people have taken part so far in the planning of the CATT. We are now extending this opportunity to everyone through this feedback form on our website. You are invited to share your thoughts about the CATT and your perspective on what is needed to best support those in our community who struggle with drug or alcohol use. Your comments go directly to the development team for consideration.

✔ Form an advisory committee

A Community Engagement Advisory Work Group will begin meeting this month to help inform us on how we can involve the community more in this project. This group will include people with lived experience, housing service providers, culturally specific organizations, emergency medical services providers, faith communities, city governments and residents of Washington County. The advisory group will ensure that the development process focuses on equity and that the elimination of barriers to successful treatment is the result. We envision a center where everyone feels welcomed and encouraged.

By listening to our community, we aim to make it easier for everyone to access services. It is especially important that we work to eliminate any barriers for our culturally specific communities. Our next steps are to learn more about the communities closest to the possible site locations and begin sharing information about the center. We want people to know why the CATT is needed and the benefits of the services it will provide.

We are so grateful for the many interested people who are coming together to make this center a resource for our entire community. We look forward to hearing from you!