Mayor Brown Proposes Boost to Opioid Treatment, Navigation Services

Mayor Lisa Brown proposed a $730,000 investment in opioid treatment and support services during a recent community meeting in Spokane. The plan includes $300,000 for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome treatment at Maddie’s Place, a recovery nursery dedicated to helping infants and their families. Additionally, the proposal allocates $30,000 for mobile medication-assisted treatment and outreach services. A significant portion, $400,000, will establish an outdoor navigation program aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness and opioid use disorder. Mayor Brown highlighted the critical role of community organizations in combating the opioid crisis.

Shaun Cross, President & CEO of Maddie’s Place, praised the city for its commitment to specialized infant care. So far, Spokane has distributed over $2. 4 million in opioid settlement funds to enhance local services, including case management and treatment access. This new funding will continue to strengthen Spokane's response to the ongoing opioid epidemic.