Suquamish CARE Center – Coming in 2027

Introducing Suquamish CARE Center* — Comprehensive Access for Resilience and Empowerment 

Set to open in late 2027, the Suquamish CARE Center is a tribally led, whole-person healing center being developed
in Poulsbo to bring addiction treatment, recovery support, and related services closer to home. It is about access, dignity, and culturally grounded care.

The Suquamish Tribe declared a state of emergency in 2023 and is committed to investing in treatment and recovery for community members who are struggling with addiction and are in need of wraparound behavioral health services.

With funds awarded by the Washington State Legislature in 2025, the Suquamish Tribe purchased a facility in Poulsbo that will be renovated into Suquamish CARE Center. This behavioral health and wellness center will allow the tribe to respond to the health crisis facing our people, provide culturally grounded treatment, and fill a critical gap in local and regional services.

*This is the working name for the center until the formal naming process is complete. 

About Suquamish CARE Center

Suquamish CARE Center will be open to the Kitsap County community. Our priority is to care for the whole person, providing culturally grounded medical services for every patient who walks through our doors. 

By opening a new behavioral health center, the Suquamish Tribe is taking a direct step toward restoring wellness and access to care for our community and beyond.

NEW! Suquamish CARE Center is seeking a Contracted Medical Director to support the Center’s planning, development, licensing, and pre‑operational readiness. Click here to learn more about the position and the steps to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We anticipate that construction will be complete before the end of 2027. However the start date for patient service is still to be determined. As we make progress, we’ll continue to keep the community updated on our timeline, which is subject to change. 

The Suquamish CARE Center is intended to serve tribal members and the broader community. This is a tribal investment in regional health, not a project designed to wall itself off from our neighbors. You do not need to be a tribal member or someone experiencing Opioid Use Disorder to get services at the Suquamish CARE Center.

Our goal is to provide a center with a multitude of medical services, which may include dental, primary care, opioid use disorder treatment and other general medical services.

The CARE Center is more than a narrowly defined methadone clinic. It is being developed as a whole-person care center that includes counseling, recovery support, and other services under one roof. Methadone is one evidence-based medication used in licensed opioid treatment programs.

Methadone is one of the FDA-approved medications that may be used as part of treatment for opioid use disorder within a strictly regulated opioid
treatment program. Medication decisions are made by licensed clinical professionals based on patient need.

The building is pre-existing and located in Poulsbo, strategically situated nearby other health clinics. 

Poulsbo is a central location on the Kitsap Peninsula and neighbors the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Renovating a pre-existing building saves resources like time and funding compared to building a new structure. 

Studies demonstrate that because clinics with wraparound services effectively address addiction problems, they can actually help decrease crime in the area.

This was the case in Sequim, Washington. In 2022, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe opened a similar clinic, and many members of the community were concerned it would bring unfavorable behavior to the town. In fact a year later, according to Sequim Police Chief Sheri Crain, “The clinic’s presence has not brought negative things to our community. It’s had a positive impact, absolutely.” She went on to say, “I don’t think people appreciate how bad it would be if there wasn’t that type of presence [of the clinic].

Safety is our top priority. It is a misconception that treating addiction diseases will lead to increased crime in the region. 

This is being planned as a licensed healthcare facility with professional staffing, robust security, strict state and federal requirements, and
a focus on treatment and stabilization. Evidence-based treatment helps reduceillicit opioid use and supports recovery, which is exactly why access to care matters.

Suquamish CARE Center is a temporary name while the tribe completes the formal naming process. CARE stands for Comprehensive Access for Resilience and Empowerment.  The process of deciding the formal name is a work in progress. We will keep the community informed with updates as the center and services offered are developed. Keep an eye on this web page and other Suquamish communications channels to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

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Contacts

For media inquiries, contact:
Erin Bischoff, Communications Manager
Email: EBischoff@suquamish.nsn.us

For those seeking immediate treatment and wellness services please contact the Suquamish Tribal Admin Center at 360-598-3311 and ask for the Wellness Center.