By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
“It’s with an appreciative heart that we are here today to celebrate the completion of Fern Lodge,” said Chairwoman Teri Gobin at June 6’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This behavioral wellness center is a model of collaboration and is intended to increase access to much-needed health care for our Snohomish County communities. There is a lack of mental health resources nationwide. Facilities, like Fern Lodge, are important tools to help those in need during a mental health crisis.”
Fern Lodge Behavior Wellness is a 16-bed in-patient facility that will offer around-the-clock care to its court-ordered residents during their 90- or 180-day treatment plans. This rehabilitative treatment facility will serve individuals who are not involved in the criminal court system and do not need to be hospitalized, but still require additional support to prepare for living independently in their communities.
Built by Tulalip, on land owned by Tulalip in Stanwood (kitty-corner from the Healing Lodge), this $35 million qualified capital investment will be operated and maintained by the Washington Health Care Authority. Fern Lodge’s completion represents completion of the final legally required step by the Tribe in order to collect 100% of taxes generated on the Reservation beginning July 1, 2027.
“The Fern Lodge conversation started from negations to settle litigation on a tax-sharing lawsuit between the Tulalip Tribes and the federal government versus the State of Washington and Snohomish County,” explained Chairwoman Gobin. “This dates back to 2019 when then-Governor Jay Inslee requested we negotiate via mediated settlement. A tax-sharing compact was developed that covers the Tribe’s business developments created on our lands. And so today, we celebrate a win-win for Tulalip, Washington State, and the people in our local community.”
A first-of-its-kind facility in Snohomish County, Fern Lodge comes as a response to not only Jay Inslee’s 2018 behavioral health transformation plan, but also to meet the demand for accessible, non-hospitalized inpatient care options, particularly beyond urban hubs.
Snohomish County is one of the largest counties in the state, yet does not have adequate capacity to serve community members with behavioral health needs. As of November 2023, there were only six beds in the county contracted to provide this type of treatment. Now, thanks to Tulalip, there are 16 additional beds committed to the cause.
In attendance to celebrate Fern Lodge’s completion and his 1-month anniversary on Tulalip’s Tribal Council was Ryan Miller. In his previous role as Director of Treaty Rights, he played an instrumental role in getting state law changed and House Bill 2803 passed so that the Governor could enter into tax-sharing compacts with the Tribe.
“I want to acknowledge all the past leaders who committed so much time and energy, really putting their hearts into making this possible. It took decades and decades of fight to get to where we are today, and even this was a compromise,” reflected Ryan. “Ultimately, this is a great example of government-to-government relations and reflects forward-thinking leaders from both the State and the Tribe who came up with this great idea to help deal with the mental health crisis that our communities and country as a whole is facing.”
This facility is for all Snohomish County residents, 18 years and older. However, Tulalip tribal members will be given admission priority. Treatment interventions can vary based on an individual’s need, but in general may consist of one-on-one and group therapy, peer counseling, case management, medication management, and skill building.
“There is a tremendous need for resources to help us heal from intergenerational trauma, so that we, as a people and a society, can embody health and wellness in truly a good way,” said Board of Director Deborah Parker. “Any day we can come together to wrap a relative in care, in love, in deep respect, is a good day. I hope the development of Fern Lodge becomes a model for others to come and visit and to learn from as our Tribe, county, state, and nation continue to address mental health for the benefit of all our relatives.”