Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Overdose Awareness Day
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim August 31, 2022, Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to Proclaim August 31, 2022, Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Katie Strozyk, Opioid Response Coordinator, Thurston County Public Health
Background and Analysis:
Overdose Awareness Day shines a light on the need to treat drug-related harm as a public health issue and invest in evidence-based practices that save lives and build communities. It is also a day for Olympians to stand beside those who have lost loved ones to an overdose and those who have a substance use disorder and are diligently working toward recovery.
Each year hundreds of Washington State residents die from drug overdose deaths. An estimate 1,724 Washingtonians were lost to overdose in 2020, a 37% increase over the prior year.
Overdose deaths remain high across the state, impact urban, suburban, and rural communities and disproportionately affect marginalized populations.
From July 2, 2023 - July 1, 2024 there were 130 drug related deaths in Thurston County, 44 of which occurred in Olympia with the common drug combination being fentanyl and methamphetamine. During this time period the Olympia Police Department applied Narcan to 19 different subjects, with most incidents requiring more than one dose and made contact with 180 with persons whose underling issues were substance abuse related. Familiar Faces staff routinely help community members navigate sobriety and facilitate transportation to recovery treatment and Narcotics Anonymous meeting.
The City of Olympia, along with Thurston County, and the cities of Lacey and Tumwater are participating in the Opioid Abatement Council, which coordinates the distribution of funds awarded in the recent Opioid settlement. As of July 30, 2024, the City of Olympia has received $762,042.24 in settlement funds. There is still at least one settlement pending, which when finalized the settlement amount will increase. The settlements that have been reached thus far will continue to pay annual amounts to Olympia for ten years. Since Olympia was the primary litigant in the suits, the City will receive a larger percentage of the settlement funds than Lacey and Tumwater.
Attachments:
Proclamation