January 2021

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What is the CATT?
The CATT (Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment) is a project led by the County’s Behavioral Health Division to increase substance use disorder treatment capacity and create a comprehensive center for addictions treatment in Washington County. We are currently in phase one ꟷ conducting a feasibility study of the concept, which will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration. This exciting program is being designed from the ground up to ensure it meets the needs of our diverse community.
Why is it needed?
Despite being Oregon’s second largest county, current addiction treatment resources are very limited in Washington County. Residents commonly travel to other counties in Oregon and Washington for intensive services such as withdrawal management or residential care. Unfortunately, many of our community members who use substances end up in jail, emergency departments or even dead from overdose. Immediate access to care is essential and this center will provide that for our residents.

In 2018, 45 residents of Washington County died from drug overdoses of methamphetamines, heroin and fentanyl.
Who are the project participants?
This project is a community effort. More than 180 individuals have participated in the CATT’s development to date. Leadership is provided by the Behavioral Health Division in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Together, we have facilitated a collaborative planning process that actively engages service providers, individuals in recovery, health systems, and representatives of the criminal justice system.

Technical expertise is provided by a Program Development Work Group, and strategic guidance comes from a Steering Committee whose members include a coalition of local leaders. While input from professionals and community stakeholders is certainly valuable, the perspective of individuals who have been through treatment themselves is key, and they are included throughout the program design.
How are we learning from others?
Though the project is being developed from the ground up, there are many people and organizations we have learned from to help guide the work. Focus groups with individuals in recovery and research into programs in other communities (San Antonio, TX; Vancouver, WA; Vancouver, BC) have helped ground the feasibility analysis in lived experience and practical treatment strategies. Understanding how to provide effective services to non-majority populations, both racial and religious, has been an area of emphasis.
What has been done so far?
Despite a pause necessitated by the pandemic, considerable progress was made in 2020. Highlights include:

  • A data analysis was completed to ensure understanding of the varied and impactful ways substance use disorders present in Washington County. This also helped to inform the size of the program and service types to include in the model.

  • Building blocks were developed that establish guidance for the planning and potential development of the CATT. These will build on a foundation of centering the project on racial equity and inclusion.

  • A phased approach was developed, starting with core services and implementing expanded supports and comprehensive services as funding allows.
Key to our work was the development of foundational guidance for the project. The leadership team is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and is centering on racial equity throughout the project. Our goal is to ensure DEI is considered in every aspect of the project. Our Building Blocks expand on this foundation and provide guidance for the planning, development and service delivery.

View the Building Blocks.
What's next?
Current work is focused on developing preliminary estimates of the initial CATT facility, including the number of beds for different services and the associated construction and operational costs.

Presentation of the full CATT Feasibility Study to the Board of Commissioners is currently scheduled for April 2021. If the board approves, work will begin immediately on final program design and facility development, with a goal of opening the CATT within the next 2-3 years.

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