Mayor Brown Proposes Boost to Opioid Treatment, Navigation Services

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown recently announced a proposal to invest $730,000 from opioid settlement funds into treatment and support services. The plan allocates $300,000 for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome treatment at Maddie’s Place, a nonprofit nursery for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure. Additionally, $400,000 will support an outdoor navigation program aimed at helping individuals with opioid use disorder find suitable housing. Mayor Brown highlighted the proposal's focus on community organizations fighting the opioid crisis. Shaun Cross, President and CEO of Maddie’s Place, praised the funding for its potential to sustain services and advocate for healthcare solutions.

Spokane has now allocated $2,480,350 in opioid settlement funds to various initiatives. Earlier allocations included $500,000 for the Spokane Fire Department’s CARES Team and $350,000 to enhance the Medication-Assisted Treatment program. These efforts underscore the city’s commitment to combating the opioid epidemic and supporting vulnerable populations.