Spokane County outlines $40M strategy to combat opioid crisis through collaborative efforts

The Spokane County and City of Spokane held a special meeting on April 18, 2025, to address the ongoing opioid crisis and the utilization of opioid settlement funds. The meeting aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the opioid abatement council, discuss current trends in opioid use, and outline future plans for community investments.

The meeting began with a presentation on the opioid epidemic's impact, highlighting that Spokane has seen a significant increase in overdose-related calls, with a 30% rise reported by the fire department in 2024. This alarming trend places Spokane above both state and national averages for overdose deaths, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

The discussion included details about the opioid settlement funds received by Washington State, which are expected to total around $40 million for Spokane County by 2038. The funds are distributed based on population size, substance use, and service access needs. Spokane County and the City of Spokane are the largest recipients of these funds, which are intended to support various community health initiatives.

Maggie Yates, the city administrator, emphasized the collaborative efforts between the city and county to tackle the opioid crisis. She noted that the city has invested $500,000 into its CARES team, which has expanded from one clinician to four full-time staff members focused on opioid use disorder. Additionally, a partnership with Consistent Care aims to provide intensive case management for high utilizers of emergency services.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of immediate treatment options, with discussions on expanding access to sobering beds and medication-assisted treatment. The county has invested in crisis services and inpatient care, recognizing the need for immediate support for individuals struggling with substance use.

Future plans include the establishment of a crisis relief and sobering center, which would provide immediate care for individuals seeking recovery. This facility aims to reduce barriers to treatment and ensure that individuals can receive care without unnecessary delays.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative approach between Spokane County and the City of Spokane in addressing the opioid crisis. Both entities are committed to leveraging available resources effectively to provide comprehensive support for individuals affected by opioid use disorder, with a focus on sustainable solutions for the future.