PORT ANGELES — Clallam County is the first in Washington to implement the Reentry Demonstration Initiative under the state’s Medicaid Transformation Project.
The initiative launched July 1 and represents a “transformative step in how local jails and juvenile facilities support justice-involved individuals,” according to a press release. The initiative prioritizes pre-release planning, continuity of care and improved community health outcomes.
Through the initiative, Clallam County is allowed to receive Medicaid reimbursement for essential health services provided to eligible individuals in custody.
“More importantly, it empowers local clinical services teams to coordinate warm handoffs to community-based care providers, significantly increasing the likelihood of long-term stability, recovery and reduced recidivism,” the press release states.
The initiative began in spring 2024 when Sheriff Brian King established a goal for Clallam County to participate in the Medicaid Transformation Project.
“To lead this work, the county hired Rich Meier as project coordinator,” the release states. “Meier played a pivotal role in meeting each milestone required by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and worked closely with Jody Jacobsen, Juvenile Services administrator, to ensure both adult and juvenile facilities met the necessary benchmarks.”
Clallam County created a new clinical services department to support the effective delivery of services, according to the release.
“This department reflects a broader commitment by the county and the Sheriff’s Office to provide appropriate, timely care to those in their custody,” the release stated. “Historically, medical and behavioral health services were managed separately by the Sheriff’s Office and Juvenile and Family Services.”
Juvenile and Family Services provided behavioral health services through the True Star Behavioral Health Program, which is a state-licensed Behavioral Health Agency focused on youth treatment. The Medicaid Transformation Project presented an opportunity to reassess and unify those operations, leading to a streamlined, collaborative model that better serves the incarcerated population, according to the release.
The new clinical services department is composed of two core sections of medical and behavioral health. The True Star agreement was amended so both adult and juvenile facilities can operate under the True Star Behavior Health license.
“Both sections will work under the leadership of Clinical Director Madison Gallentine, reporting to Undersheriff Lorraine Shore, to ensure comprehensive care and continuity of services upon release,” the press release stated.
There are several key goals of the Reentry Demonstration Initiative, according to the press release:
• Support individuals in living their healthiest life post-release.
• Improve overall health outcomes and reduce re-offense, emergency department visits, overdose and death.
• Provide treatment and stabilization for medical and behavioral conditions before reentry.
• Address substance use disorders and infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis C, prior to release.
“This project has been more than a year in development,” the release stated. “Clallam County is proud to lead the way in implementing this innovative health care initiative, setting a precedent for counties across the state. The program is expected to improve inmate health outcomes, reduce recidivism and help individuals move toward real, lasting freedom through coordinated care and community reintegration.”
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Reporter Emily Hanson can be reached by email at emily.hanson@peninsuladailynews.com.
