Living Well in Wahkiakum County

(Editor's note: We have offered Health and Human Services a monthly column to highlight services they offer. Here is the first.)

Wahkiakum Health and Human Services has been given an opportunity to highlight the resources offered in our area. Each month we will introduce and highlight a different resource being offered to Wahkiakum County residents. It will give updates on coming events and opportunities happening in our area along with what each resource has to offer. We consistently hear from residents that they are not aware of the amount of resources that are available to Wahkiakum residents. This is just one way for us at Wahkiakum Health and Human Services to help fulfill the needs for our county, putting us all one step closer to a healthy, happy community.

This month’s resource is Wahkiakum Health and Human Services which offers an array of programs.

This includes:

Mental Health - The Mental Health Program is comprised of a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, several therapists, and two case managers. With this team, Mental Health is able to assist people of all ages (children, families, adults, and geriatric adults) with mental health issues or behavioral concerns. In addition to counseling/therapy, they assist clients with psychiatric medication, accessing resources, and coordinating care with other agencies when needed (e.g. school, DSHS, medical care, etc.). The Mental Health Program also manages 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Services for Wahkiakum County. All services are individualized. Call 360-795-8630.

Chemical Dependency Treatment Services - Chemical Dependency Treatment Counselors offer Standard and DUI Assessments, Individual counseling sessions, as well as Group sessions. Occasional family involvement is encouraged during individual sessions to support the addicted individual as well as identify concerns and support change within the family unit. We offer Adult and Youth services and often participate in Outreach and Supportive Services at the high school. People are treated as individuals and the need of each person is assessed and treatment is developed around that individual need. Chemical Dependency Treatment will support those who are on Probation, DOC, referred by the High School, Medical Provider, Mental Health Provider, and those that are Self and/or Family referred. Call 360-795-8630.

Community Outreach - Services including Rental and Housing Assistance, Homeless Shelter, Emergency Services, Utility Assistance and Discounts, WA Medical Enrollment, Basic Food and Social Service Applications assistance, Information and Referral services for those in need. Call 360-795-8630.

Public Health – Offers Community Health Assessments, Immunizations, Oral health, WIC Clinics & Vouchers, Maternity & Infant case management, Breast & Cervical Health Program, Birth & Death certificates. Call 360-795-6207.

Environmental Health – Services include Food Service establishment permits, Food Handler permits, Water Testing, and Septic Permits & Inspections. Call 360-795-6207.

Employment Center - Offers Supported Employment, Elochoman Valley Partners, WorkSource self-service job search computer access. Call 360-795-8630.

Developmental Disabilities – Supported Employment. Call 360-795-8630.

Wahkiakum On The Move – Offering Bus service with connecting routes to Pacific and Cowlitz Counties 8 – 5 Monday through Friday as well as Medicaid Transport. Call 360-795-3101.

Upcoming Events: CAP is still accepting applications for the Self Help Housing program. For information or application contact Juanita at 360-425-3430 ext 222 or Terrie at Wahkiakum Health and Human Services 360-795-8630.