• West Side Ambassador – Alysn Everbeck
• Secretary – Esther Click

Read more about the candidates below.

Additional Nominations

Per the WAN bylaws, additional nominations shall be added to the ballot upon request of four active members delivered to the secretary.  To add a nomination to the ballot, four active members must email the current secretary (secretary@apco.old.cultivatework.space) with the name of their nominee and the position they are nominated for before 5 pm on September 2^nd, 2024.

Election information

• Electronic voting opens September 18^th, 2024, at 8 am (active members will receive an email with a link and instructions for voting)
• Electronic voting closes October 15^th, 2024 at 4pm
• Ballots will be counted, and the winners will be announced during the Chapter meeting on October 15th, 2024, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
• If winners are in attendance, they will take their oath of office at the Awards Banquet on October 17^th, 2024

Meet the Candidates

Washington State’s Department of Health (DOH) has contracted with Health Management Associates, Inc. (HMA) to further DOH’s efforts to expand access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Specifically, HMA’s work will guide the processes used to divert appropriate mental health crisis and substance use crisis calls from 911 to the 988 Lifeline. This work involves multiple steps. One of the first steps involves engaging community members to learn their thoughts about the connections between 911 and the broader mental health and substance use crisis care system, including the 988 Lifeline. 

Purpose 

The goal of these community listening sessions is to gather thoughts on the connection between 911 and the mental health and substance use crisis care system, including the 988 Lifeline. What are the current challenges, strengths, and opportunities for improvement? How should 911 callers experiencing mental health or substance use crises be transferred to 988? This input will inform work focused on diverting certain mental health and substance use calls from 911 to 988. 

When 

HMA will conduct online community listening sessions on: 

• July 17, 2024 at 12-1pm (Register here) 
• July 18, 2024 at 5-6pm (Register here) 
• July 23, 2024 at 1-2pm (Register here) 

Who 

All those who, live, work and spend time in Washington state are invited to participate in these listening sessions. We welcome all input, but we’d particularly like to hear from people who have lived experience with: 

• Mental health crises  
• Substance use crises 
• Attempted suicide 
• Outreach to 911 or 988 
• Interactions with criminal justice or law enforcement response 

DOH asks all partners to share information about these upcoming listening sessions with their networks and the communities they serve. Participants will receive a $25 gift card for their time. 

To apply, email a letter of interest and resume to Wendy Hill at w.hill@tcomm911.org. Application materials will be accepted through July 8, 2024.

It’s been 40 years since the Ghostbusters first captured our hearts and showed us how to tackle ghosts with style and humor. This iconic franchise has given us countless laughs, thrills, and memorable moments. As we celebrate this monumental anniversary, we’re inspired by their spirit of teamwork and problem-solving.

Introducing Stress Busters: Who Ya Gonna Call?

In the same vein, we present to you our upcoming 911 conference theme: Stress Busters! Just as the Ghostbusters tackled the supernatural, we’re here to help you tackle stress with practical tools and techniques. Join us for a transformative event dedicated to relieving stress, fostering mental well-being, and promoting professional growth.

Conference Highlights:

• Stress Busters HQ: Step into our headquarters designed to resemble the iconic Ghostbusters HQ, but with a stress-relief twist.
• Stress Buster Gear: Don your own stress-busting gear and join us in various activities designed to alleviate stress.
• Relaxation Zones: Discover serene relaxation zones equipped with everything you need to unwind.
• Interactive Activities: Engage in fun and stress-relief activities, including crafting your own stress balls and participating in our stress monster scavenger hunt.
• Expert Speakers: Learn from wellness enthusiasts, therapists, and motivational speakers about effective stress management techniques.

Join us for this unique 911 conference where we combine the nostalgia of Ghostbusters with modern stress relief strategies. It’s time to bust stress like never before!

Date: October 16-18, 2024
Location: Spokane Convention Center
Registration: Conference Event and Registration Link

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate, learn, and bust stress. Who ya gonna call? Stress Busters!

Attached is an invitation for Deanna’s retirement celebration with more details. It will be held here at Cowlitz 911 on June 4th, 2024 from 1pm-4pm.