Mayor Brown Proposes Boost to Opioid Treatment, Navigation Services

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown announced a $730,000 proposal to enhance opioid treatment and services during a community meeting. The funding will provide $300,000 for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome treatment at Maddie’s Place, a recovery nursery supporting infants with withdrawal symptoms. It will also allocate $400,000 for an outdoor navigation program to help those experiencing homelessness and opioid use disorder find suitable housing. Mayor Brown stressed that this initiative is crucial for supporting local organizations combating the opioid crisis. Shaun Cross, President & CEO of Maddie’s Place, emphasized the funding's role in ensuring ongoing care and advocacy for affected families.

Spokane has so far allocated $2,480,350 from opioid settlement funds to various services, including case management and behavioral health support. The city aims to address the urgent needs of its residents while tracking the effectiveness of these investments. This proposal reflects a broader commitment to improving community health outcomes in Spokane.