Jeff Thomas, the former CEO of Frontier Behavioral Health, is being honored posthumously through the establishment of a university scholarship and the naming of a local outpatient center in his memory. Thomas, who passed away last August at the age of 62 due to respiratory complications, was instrumental in advancing integrated mental health care in the region, which emphasizes the connection between physical and mental health.
The Jeff Thomas Behavioral Health Scholarship and Endowment has been created at Eastern Washington University (EWU) by Coordinated Care. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education for underrepresented students pursuing degrees in behavioral health fields, such as social work or psychology.
A dedication ceremony for the Jeff Thomas Center will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, at Frontier’s outpatient facility located at 2118 E. Sprague Ave. This new center will bear Thomas’s name in recognition of his contributions to the field.
Thomas was known for his dedication to both social services and mental health, as well as his unwavering support for Frontier’s over 700 employees. “Jeff understood that high-quality care was dependent on a skilled workforce,” said Kelli Miller, Frontier’s current CEO. “His advocacy for workforce issues and commitment to education were defining aspects of his leadership.”
Thomas’s efforts included forging partnerships with local universities to facilitate student learning and removing obstacles for those seeking to enter the mental health profession. “This scholarship reflects Jeff’s legacy and his impact on all of us,” Miller added.
Coordinated Care, which serves more than 300,000 Medicaid, foster care, Medicare, and marketplace members across the state, is behind the new scholarship initiative. “This effort not only honors Jeff’s remarkable contributions but also addresses healthcare workforce shortages and supports the development of future professionals serving Washington communities,” said Coordinated Care CEO Beth Johnson.
Thomas, a graduate of EWU with a master’s degree in social work, led Frontier Behavioral Health from 2012 until his death. Under his leadership, Frontier expanded to become a key provider in the region. Before his tenure at Frontier, Thomas served as executive director at Family Service Spokane for 15 years. He played a pivotal role in the 2011 merger of Family Service Spokane with Spokane Mental Health, which led to the creation of Frontier.
Related topics:
