The Pierce County Council on Aug. 5 read a proclamation designating August 2025 as Overdose Awareness Month in Pierce County, Washington. Council member Denson read the proclamation and invited Tacoma‑Pierce County Health Department staff and community members to speak about prevention, treatment and remembrance events.

Catherine Pflug, coordinator of the Tacoma‑Pierce County Opioid Task Force, told the council that drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Pierce County. Pflug said overdose deaths declined through much of 2024 but returned toward prior levels late in the year, with opioids—particularly synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—driving many fatalities. Pflug urged residents to treat overdose as a medical emergency, call 911 for unresponsive individuals, carry naloxone and learn how to use it. She also cited two near‑term community events: a Pierce County Opioid Summit on Aug. 22 and an Overdose Awareness Day on Sept. 4 at Owen Beach Pavilion.

Amanda Robinson, clinical services program manager at Tacoma‑Pierce County Health Department, said reducing stigma around substance use disorder makes it easier for people to seek and access care. Robinson described walk‑in appointments for medication‑assisted treatment available Monday through Friday at the health department.

Family members spoke at the podium. Tessa Gunter described the Aug. 2024 accidental overdose death of her 16‑year‑old son, Adrian, which she said began with peer pressure and a mischaracterized pill. “It’s playing Russian roulette every time you take a pill,” Gunter said. Grayson McKee, identified as Adrian’s best friend, recounted finding out about the death, the stigma his friend faced and the lasting emotional impact; McKee said the police dropped a case related to the incident and that he has since sought counseling and aims to become a firefighter.

The proclamation noted Pierce County investments in substance use disorder services, including more than $3,200,000 from opioid settlement dollars and federal grants to launch up to two fully equipped mobile opioid treatment vehicles intended to bring medications, counseling and peer support into underserved areas. The council encouraged community members to attend events, medicine take‑back days and other activities aimed at prevention, treatment and remembrance.