Mayor Brown Proposes Boost to Opioid Treatment, Navigation Services

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown proposed a $730,000 investment in opioid treatment and support services during a recent community meeting regarding Gabriel’s Challenge. The funding will target Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome treatment at Maddie’s Place, providing essential care for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure. An additional $400,000 will support an outdoor navigation program, aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness with opioid use disorder. Mayor Brown highlighted the proposal's commitment to enhancing community organizations' efforts in combating the opioid crisis. Shaun Cross, CEO of Maddie’s Place, noted the importance of this funding for sustaining their services and advocating for healthcare solutions.

So far, the City of Spokane has committed over $2. 4 million from opioid settlement funds to various initiatives, including case management services and treatment access expansion. These efforts reflect the city's ongoing response to the opioid epidemic and its impact on vulnerable populations. The proposed funding is expected to fill critical service gaps and improve overall community health outcomes.