Mayor Cooper launches Gabriel's Challenge to combat fentanyl epidemic in Medical Lake

The Medical Lake City Council meeting on May 7, 2025, focused on the urgent need to address the opioid epidemic affecting the Spokane region. Mayor Terry Cooper delivered a passionate address highlighting the devastating impact of addiction on families and communities, emphasizing that nearly every family in the area has been touched by this crisis.

Mayor Cooper called for a united community response, urging residents to take action rather than relying solely on government and nonprofit organizations. He stressed the importance of "selfless love" and community support for those struggling with addiction, acknowledging the difficult journey of recovery. The mayor's remarks were particularly poignant as he referenced the tragic loss of Katara Johnson Jones's son to a fentanyl overdose, underscoring the personal toll of the epidemic.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Mayor Cooper declared a period from Mother's Day, May 11, 2025, to Father's Day, June 15, 2025, as the "Gabriel's Challenge." This initiative aims to promote community transformation and awareness regarding fentanyl overdose deaths. The challenge encourages citizens to engage with their neighbors, foster connections, and support those in crisis.

The kickoff event for Gabriel's Challenge is scheduled for May 11, 2025, at Riverfront Park Pavilion, where community members are invited to gather and commit to making a difference. Mayor Cooper emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the number of calls for help related to addiction is unsustainable and that immediate action is necessary to prevent further loss.

The meeting concluded with a call for collective effort and compassion, as the mayor reiterated the need for community involvement in combating the opioid crisis.