By Tacoma Weekly Staff - December 18, 2018
As part of Gov. Jay Inslee’s focus on mental health, the Progress House Association has received a state grant to open a Clubhouse in Pierce, Kitsap and Yakima counties, that will join over 300 accredited facilities worldwide to offer those suffering from the symptoms of severe mental illness with pathways back to paid work and independent living.
A site for the local clubhouse has not yet been confirmed, but Executive Director Heidi Graff is working to secure an appropriate location that is accessible by public transportation. The Progress House Association Clubhouse hopes to open doors early in 2019.
PHA is also working with local health care providers and facilities to develop a referral system. Clubhouse membership does not replace pharmaceutical regimens or clinical hospitalizations; rather, clubhouses work with those modes of care to support mental health using evidence-based practices that prevent crisis and rehabilitate members.
Tacoma’s first clubhouse, Rose House, operated until 2010, but fell victim to the national economic contraction since it was dependent upon state funding from property taxes. An informational event, ‘What’s a Clubhouse?’ is being planned for the Moore branch of the Tacoma Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 5, to allow residents to learn about how they can participate in planning.