The Washington State Health Care Authority, hereafter called “HCA,” is initiating this Request for Application (RFA) to solicit Applications from firms interested in participating on a project for Peer Respite Start-Up.

Peer Respites are one of many Peer operated services offered in the behavioral health care field across the U.S. The foundational Peer movement has been steadily impacting behavioral health care systems for nearly 40 years. Peer Respites are part of the Governor’s plan to transition/divert people from the state hospitals. Under House Bill 1394 Peer Respites were created. The Washington State Department of Health created certification for licensed community behavioral health agencies to add Peer Respite to their book of business. HCA’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) worked closely with the Washington State Department of Commerce to create a toolkit to provide technical assistance to help agencies create and develop Peer Respites. We have a national technical assistance organization contracted called People USA to support our efforts.

The primary service provided in Peer Respites is peer support. In a respite setting, staff help individuals evaluate their issues, problem solve, and make decisions to move forward. The nature of peer run services fosters an environment of respect and understanding. Peer interactions help people to help themselves and others through forming mutual relationships and learning from others. Peer Respites often also provide self-help groups, housing and employment supports, and group activities.

HCA intends to award one (1) Contract to provide Start-Up Funds to the awarded agency that has a home like setting to start the Peer Respite model; the services described in this RFA.