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Spokane County officials point to fentanyl surge, expand treatment and surveillance investments
Summary
Spokane County Sheriff John Knowles and County Commissioner Al French discussed rising fentanyl-related overdoses, increased naloxone deployments and county investments in a real-time crime center, a new helicopter and expanded treatment and sobering services.
Spokane County Sheriff John Knowles told County Commissioner Al French on the Oct. 11 Spokane County Spotlight program that fentanyl-related overdoses are driving a sharp rise in fatal and nonfatal overdose incidents and stretching local emergency and public safety resources.
“Fentanyl is so potent and is so deadly,” Spokane County Sheriff John Knowles said, adding that inconsistent dosing means many users “end up taking fatal doses…inadvertently.” The county’s data, Commissioner Al French said on the program, shows a fivefold increase in naloxone deployments and rising overdose-related calls over the last several years.
The discussion matters because the county’s response combines law-enforcement actions with treatment and prevention. French noted investments by the Board of County Commissioners in a Real Time Crime Center, “camera on wheels” patrol vehicles, a new analyst position to support regional task forces, and an upgraded sheriff’s…
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