Education Initiatives
Nothing can have a more profound impact on the future of our community than the effectiveness of our schools–from K12 through higher education institutions. All Eastside residents, children and adults, need access to high quality instruction and a strong support system.
Eastside Foundation is dedicated to fostering programs that enhance learning at all levels, and we are looking to support programs that improve reading, math, and science, as well as adult programs that address current and projected shortages in the labor market such as mental health and substance abuse training programs.
Expanding Opportunities for Accredited Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Training
Working with Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Eastside Foundation has been involved in establishing an Eastside-based credentialing program for Substance Use Disorder Professionals (SUDP). The program will provide a stable pipeline of skilled professionals to fill the staff roles needed to more effectively meet the needs of those struggling with addiction.
The program is critical to reinforcing and expanding the infrastructure needed to address a shortage of qualified health professionals. According to the UW School of Medicine, Washington State has previously ranked among the lowest in the nation in serving people with mental health challenges, including substance abuse. And it has been reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation that drug overdose deaths in Washington State doubled in a ten year period, from 14 per 100,000 population to 28 per 100,000. Other mental health related issues have similarly increased.
Eastside Foundation also strongly supported passage of Washington State House Bill 1724, a bill that seeks to increase the number of trained behavioral health professionals, and make it easier to train, hire, and retain substance use disorder professionals as well as mental health professionals.
Eastside Foundation Partners Making a Difference
