Executive Somers Announces Overall Goals and Near-Term Strategies to Address Drug Use Crisis, Including a Mobile Opioid Treatment Program

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has announced a strategic response to the alarming drug use crisis, which has seen a dramatic increase in opioid-related fatalities, particularly among young people. A central component of this strategy is the Mobile Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), designed to deliver safe medications and behavioral health therapies directly to vulnerable populations. The county will also prioritize prevention education in schools to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with substance use disorder. The MAC Group, which includes representatives from various sectors, has set seven overarching goals to guide the response, focusing on reducing drug misuse and expanding life-saving interventions. Overdose deaths in Snohomish County have more than doubled since 2017, with a concerning percentage of victims being under 25 years old.

Immediate strategies also include increasing the availability of naloxone and allocating funds to community organizations providing support services. Local leaders are calling for an influx of state and federal resources to bolster these efforts. The initiative underscores the urgency of addressing the complex challenges posed by the drug crisis in the community.