Mayor Brown Proposes Boost to Opioid Treatment, Navigation Services

Mayor Lisa Brown proposed a $730,000 investment in opioid treatment and services for Spokane during a recent community meeting. The plan allocates $300,000 for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome treatment at Maddie’s Place, a non-profit nursery for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure. Additionally, $30,000 will support mobile medication-assisted treatment and outreach efforts. Mayor Brown emphasized that the funding is crucial for community organizations combating the opioid crisis. The proposal includes $400,000 to establish an outdoor navigation program, assisting individuals living outdoors with opioid use disorder.

Shaun Cross, President of Maddie’s Place, noted the importance of sustained funding for specialized infant care and family support. To date, Spokane has allocated $2,480,350 in opioid settlement funds towards various services, including case management and treatment expansion. This investment aims to enhance local support systems and improve the overall response to the opioid epidemic.