Stephanie Butler recently joined the Snoqualmie Police Department, which serves the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend, as the department’s new Behavioral Health Specialist. Butler has extensive experience working with those in need of mental health assistance.
The City of Snoqualmie was awarded a state grant to fund a pilot behavioral health emergency response and coordination program to support first responders serving the communities of North Bend and Snoqualmie.
The $150,000 grant is part of recently passed state legislation designed to increase quality behavioral health co-response services. It will fund this new position specializing in treating mental health and substance use disorders.
Butler will work directly with and accompany police officers, firefighters, and EMTs when responding to crisis calls involving people with behavioral health needs. Additionally, she will work to support identified social service needs within the community.
Snoqualmie Police Chief Perry Phipps said, “We’re pleased to have Ms. Butler on board. Her expertise can help facilitate better outcomes for community members in need.”
The grant will fund the new position through June 2023. If the program is successful, the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend will look to share the costs of the role in subsequent years.
Washington State 5th District Rep. Lisa Callan was instrumental in securing funding and creating this behavioral health pilot program with input and support from Snoqualmie Police Chief Perry Phipps, Snoqualmie Mayor Katherine Ross, and North Bend Mayor Rob McFarland.
[Information provided by the City of Snoqualmie]
