Mayor Brown Proposes Boost to Opioid Treatment, Navigation Services

Mayor Lisa Brown proposed a $730,000 investment in opioid treatment and support services at a recent Gabriel’s Challenge community meeting in Spokane. The funding aims to enhance treatment for infants suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome at Maddie’s Place, a nonprofit recovery nursery, with $300,000 allocated for this purpose. An additional $400,000 will establish an outdoor navigation program to assist individuals living outdoors with opioid use disorder, bridging critical service gaps. Mayor Brown stated that the proposal emphasizes the vital work of community organizations addressing the opioid crisis. Shaun Cross, President & CEO of Maddie’s Place, expressed gratitude for the funding, underscoring its significance for maintaining specialized infant care.

The city has previously allocated $2,480,350 to various opioid-related services, including expanding treatment access and support for behavioral health. This new funding proposal reflects ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in Spokane. The city continues to seek innovative solutions to address the urgent needs of its residents affected by opioid use disorder.