SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown announced an emergency action plan for addressing the opioid crisis in Spokane.
The action plan will directly impact the 2nd and Division Street corridor, which the mayor’s office said is most impacted by the opioid crisis.
Brown addressed the use and overdose rates that specifically the homeless population in Spokane is facing.
“It is no surprise that our community is dealing with the horrific impacts of fentanyl and other opioids. It is taking the lives of our loved ones and neighbors, and requires swift action. Today’s emergency declaration allows us to take a variety of efforts to combat this crisis and do so in a coordinated, strategic way,” Mayor Brown said.
She sympathized with the residents and business owners that have also seen the impacts of the crisis by default.
The emergency action plan would help move funding and open more doors that would help support the crisis action plan.
One of the contracts that would support the reach to the unhoused population in Spokane is the new action plan with Empire Health Foundation.
The action plan will help the city leverage different partnerships, non-profits, service providers and emergency responders that will support the crisis.
Spokane Treatment and Recovery Services will partner with the city to help aid and restore individuals under the influence of a substance and implement withdrawal management.
The city also reminded the public that they work with local, state and federal partners to disrupt the local drug market.
“Responding to the fentanyl and housing crises requires integrated resources and compassionate care. Empire Health Foundation looks forward to supporting the front-line service providers working each day to serve our most vulnerable community members,” said Zeke Smith, President of Empire Health Foundation.
“We applaud Mayor Brown’s leadership in supporting authentic coordination of resources to address this public health and safety emergency. The research clearly shows effective coordination and braiding of services ensures more sustainable outcomes.” said Smith.
