By Kalvin Valdillez
In the summer of 2017 behavioral healthcare company, US HealthVest, will open it’s doors to a new behavioral hospital in Smokey Point. The new hospital offers 115-beds and will serve the community of Snohomish County.
US HealthVest prides itself on being innovative and for redefining the psychiatric hospital space. By offering specialized services for their patients, the company creates a safe environment to grow and heal. Services include programs specifically for the youth, seniors, and women who are in need of help with substance abuse and mental illness’. The hospital will have dedicated in-patient beds for children, military veterans and Native Americans from local tribes.
“Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital intends to collaborate with the Native American communities and agencies to define a program that embraces the Native American culture. The program will be designed to allow patients to move past their mental health [issues] and addiction and grow spiritually; rebuilding the bonds they have with their culture,” states US HealthVest Senior Vice President, Randy Kaniecki.
CollinsWoerman, Architects.
The two-story 70,000 square-foot building is the first in-patient hospital in Snohomish County and will provide services for patients of all ages. US HealthVest aims to aid a community, which unfortunately sees many of its members fall victim to substance abuse, depression and suicide.
Private patient rooms, a pharmacy, outdoor recreational activities and both outpatient and day clinics will be available to the Snohomish community when the facility is complete. US HealthVest states the new hospital will accept all forms of insurance, and offers Charity Care for qualifying patients who are without healthcare. Free mental health exams will be offered 24/7 so anybody in need of help can be evaluated at their convenience.
Currently the nearest behavioral hospital is located in Seattle and is only available to eligible King County residents, meaning patients are either required to travel further distances for assistance or spend the majority of their time in and out of emergency rooms when in need of support.
Accessibly located off of I-5, at 3955 156th St., the hospital will also have an Intensive Care Unit for individuals in crisis that require immediate attention. Education, religion, and culture are areas of focus that the company exceeds in, providing tutors, chaplains and therapists for their patients.
The company held a groundbreaking ceremony in late July for the new hospital. In attendance were US HealthVest executives, city of Marysville and Arlington officials and members of the Tulalip community including Tulalip Tribes General Manger, Misty Napeahi.
Kaniecki states, “In working closely with the Native American community we intend to incorporate many culturally impactful elements into the program to help the individual.”
For more information on the Smokey Point Behavioral Health Hospital visit: www.smokeypointbehavioralhospital.com
