Snohomish Times: County News - Snohomish Washington

Published: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Helping Address Drug Crisis

Snohomish County, Wash., April 16, 2024 – Executive Dave Somers today announced that Snohomish County is awarding a total of $77,800 to 11 organizations that provide recovery services for people experiencing opioid use disorder in Snohomish County. Supporting community-based organizations is one of the near-term strategies developed by the Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the Executive Directive reinvigorating the County’s response to the drug crisis. The County is using funding received from the One Washington Memorandum of Understanding (opioid settlements) for these agreements.

“Fentanyl and other opioids are deadly, and they have a lasting impact on our loved ones and the entire community,” said Executive Somers. “In Snohomish County, we have the infrastructure and partnerships needed to address substance use disorder, and we’re acting with urgency to launch and expand local efforts. These projects will help support our community partners providing vital, life-saving recovery services to set people on a path to rebuild and thrive.”

At 264 fatal opioid overdoses, Snohomish County lost about five people per week on average in 2023, according to preliminary data. That’s a dramatic increase from the 100 opioid-related overdoses reported just six years earlier, in 2017. The number of overdoses involving fentanyl jumped from 24 to 251. Fentanyl is now involved in nearly all opioid overdose deaths. The 2023 preliminary counts indicate there were at least 23 percent more opioid overdose deaths reported by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner, compared with 2022.

Advocates Recovery Services is one of the 11 awarded organizations. Snohomish County is providing the organization with $7,500 to support at least 15 residents with lived experience of substance use disorder to become Certified Recovery Coaches. The County funding will support participants – by providing supplies and tuition payments – in successfully completing the training to become certified.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to support the deepening reservoir of competency in Snohomish County’s recovery community. CCAR’s established track record of evidenced-based practices in recovery coaching dramatically altered our outlook on recovery. We are privileged to offer these scholarships to Snohomish County residents with lived experience to better serve the suffering right here at home,” said Kirk Carlson, President, Advocates Recovery Services.

Snohomish County is also awarding $4,500 to Take the Next Step to engage in mobile, community-based outreach services in East County. Outreach will focus on bringing resources, information, and service navigation to individuals who are unhoused and use opioids.

“With this funding, Take the Next Step looks forward to providing continued lifesaving resources to those who are suffering the worst impacts of substance abuse,” said Michael Lorio, Unhoused Outreach Director, Take the Next Step. “Bringing information, increased resources, and service providers to our unhoused community, in their context and circumstances, we can dramatically increase the chances of them seeking their own recovery. By reducing barriers to support, this program will have a positive impact on the entire Sky Valley community.”

A full list of awarded projects is available here. Snohomish County will be issuing a second application later this summer for an additional round of projects.

Snohomish County is committed to providing education and overdose prevention efforts throughout the county. To learn more, find treatment resources, and/or request a naloxone training, visit this website.//

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

PUDs Energy Block Party on April 27
Snohomish County PUD is hosting its Energy Block Party at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 at its Electric Building headquarters in downtown Everett.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Community Transit Board Workshop
A Community Transit Quarterly Board Workshop is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, May 09, 2023

Snohomish County keeping Neighborhoods Beautiful
We caught up with a @snocounty road crew while they were giving the trees in Outlook Ridge a haircut. This is the first trimming for these trees just off Seattle Hill Road in Snohomish.

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Draft Affordable Housing Business Plan
Draft Plan Will be Funded by Approved 0.1 Percent Sales Tax for Affordable Housing and Behavioral Health Facilities

Monday, June 13, 2022

Preview the final stage of the SR 9 and SR 204 improvement
In-person open house set for June 22 in Lake Stevens; online virtual office hours offered too.

Monday, June 13, 2022

Community Transit board approves plan
Community Transit board approves plan to engage communities on service impacts Federally required Title VI plan outlines commitment to service equity

Monday, October 25, 2021

Community Transit budget workshop
Snohomish County, Wash. The Community Transit Board of Directors will discuss the proposed 2022 Community Transit budget on Thursday, October 28 at 3 p.m.

Wednesday, October 06, 2021

Snohomish County Expands Use of Electric Vehicles
Benefits of using an electric yard goat vehicle help celebrate Energy Efficiency Day

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Snohomish County Parks celebrate Park and Recreation Month
Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nations official Park and Recreation Month. Created by the National Recreation and Park Association

Monday, July 20, 2020

Outdoor Burning Ban Announced in Snohomish County
Due to high fire danger and expected hot and dry weather conditions, the Snohomish County Fire Marshal has announced an outdoor burning ban for the unincorporated areas of Snohomish County that will go into effect Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY NEWS - SNOHOMISH TIMES