In 2025, Snohomish County made significant strides in expanding access to healthcare, behavioral health services, and recovery support amid ongoing public health challenges. Below are the highlights of our coverage in 2025.
MultiCare and Overlake cut ribbon on county’s first ever off-campus emergency department
On October 1, 2025, Overlake Medical Center & Clinics and MultiCare (in partnership with Emerus Holdings) officially opened Snohomish County’s first off-campus emergency department at 3011 196th Street Southwest in Lynnwood. The 11,000 sq ft facility, operational 24/7 since October 6, includes 12 exam rooms, on-site radiology (CT, X-ray), point-of-care lab, and pharmacy services, staffed by board-certified physicians. It targets 15-minute wait times and under two-hour visits, handling 98% of cases on-site (transfers to Swedish Edmonds if needed). The ribbon-cutting marked the anniversary of the MultiCare-Overlake merger and addresses growing demand for accessible emergency care in the region. An open house followed on October 4.
Snohomish County introduces MOUD, a mobile opioid medications clinic
Snohomish County Behavioral Health, partnering with Lynnwood Comprehensive Treatment Center, launched the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Mobile Services program on July 29, 2025, at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. The mobile clinic provides Methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol, counseling, dosing, and care coordination to rural and underserved areas, beginning in Gold Bar and expanding along SR-530. Funded by opioid settlement funds through the One Washington Memorandum of Understanding, it features a multidisciplinary team to reduce barriers to treatment and support county efforts to combat opioid use disorder and overdoses. Services rolled out later in the month.
Compass Health opens brand new regional behavioral center in downtown Everett
On September 17, 2025, Compass Health opened the Marc Healing Center, a 70,000 sq ft, five-story behavioral health facility in downtown Everett (3322 Broadway). Named after longtime staff member Marcelene Lowes, it will serve over 1,500 people annually with 30,000 service points, including a 16-bed evaluation/treatment unit, 16-bed crisis triage center, intensive outpatient services, pharmacy, on-site courtroom, green spaces, and daily meals. The $71 million project (seven years in development) was funded by the State of Washington, Snohomish County, City of Everett, federal New Markets Tax Credit, and Compass Health’s capital campaign (supported by foundations like Sunderland, M.J. Murdock, and Premera Blue Cross). It forms phase two of a three-phase Broadway Campus redevelopment integrating behavioral health, primary care, and housing. Leaders emphasized reduced strain on first responders and expanded regional access to hope, healing, and recovery.
Snohomish County Recovery Court celebrates its 1,000th graduate
On June 13, 2025, Snohomish County Superior Court celebrated the 1,000th graduate of its Adult Recovery Court in Everett. The milestone honored graduates Michael Camacho (787 days sober) and Leonel Garcia Villasenor (561 days sober), who exemplified transformation and community support. Founded in 1998 (renamed 2020), the 12–18-month voluntary program offers treatment, mental health services, education, housing aid, and case management as an alternative to incarceration for adults with substance use disorders. Over 2,000 have participated since 2001, with 981 prior graduates and $455,000 in restitution paid. Felony charges are dismissed upon completion. Judge Joseph P. Wilson and County Executive Dave Somers praised its life-changing impact, community involvement, and role in safety and recovery.
Ferguson appoints Dennis Worsham as Washington’s DOH Secretary of Health
On June 9, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Dennis Worsham, current Director of the Snohomish County Health Department (since 2023), as Secretary of the Washington State Department of Health, effective July 7. With 32+ years in public health across local, regional, and state levels—including roles at Public Health – Seattle & King County and DOH—Worsham has focused on equity, prevention, and resilience. In Snohomish County, he opened an STI clinic, launched mobile services, and navigated post-pandemic challenges. Ferguson and County Executive Dave Somers praised his skill, compassion, and leadership. Worsham committed to a just, equitable system that prevents illness, addresses root causes, and builds trust for all residents.
Snohomish County Launches Mobile “Health on Wheels” Van to Bring Care Directly to the Community
Unveiled on April 9, 2025, the Snohomish County Health Department’s “Health on Wheels” van delivers preventive services—vaccinations, STI screenings, health education—to underserved and remote areas. Equipped with modern tools, vaccine refrigeration, privacy features, and a generator, it can vaccinate up to 25 people/hour and screen four for STIs/hour. It addresses barriers like transportation, especially post-COVID, and fills gaps from potential federal cuts to statewide programs. Director Dennis Worsham and Assistant Director Pia Sampaga-Khim emphasized visibility and meeting people where they are. County Executive Dave Somers highlighted its community value. The van debuted at events like Everett Pride (June 21, 2025) with mpox/HPV vaccines and HIV testing.
Verdant Health Commission hosted renaming celebration for the Langer Medical Building
On June 3, 2025, the Verdant Health Commission hosted a grand reopening and renaming event for the former Krueger Clinic in Edmonds, now the Frederick P. Langer Building. The $9 million renovation (started summer 2024) houses Swedish Urgent Care, gastroenterology, pediatrics, wound center, primary care, and dentistry. The renaming honors former Commissioner Fred Langer (1998–2021), who helped transition Stevens Hospital to Swedish and form Verdant in 2011. Dignitaries including Verdant President Karianna Wilson and Mayor Mike Rosen spoke. Verdant, South Snohomish County’s Public Hospital District, has invested $87 million since 2011 in community health programs using lease revenue. The event included remarks and an open house for leasing.
Providence Swedish Expands Behavioral Health Services in Snohomish County
In early 2025, Providence Swedish expanded behavioral health services in Snohomish County to meet rising mental health needs. At Providence Swedish Everett (916 Pacific Ave.), a five-day partial hospitalization program complements inpatient care and a Behavioral Health Urgent Care at Colby Campus. At Providence Swedish Edmonds (20701 76th Ave. W), outpatient services consolidated into a larger space for up to 30 patients, adding five-day partial hospitalization and three-day intensive outpatient group therapy programs. Philanthropic funding (e.g., Providence Well-Being Trust, foundations) supported the initiatives. Programs offer group therapy, medication management, and support for adults 18+ stepping down from inpatient care, reducing isolation.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
