County extends opioid detox program

Pierce County Human Services allocated $1. 3 million to the Metropolitan Development Council to enhance detox services for individuals experiencing opioid withdrawal. The funding allows detox stays to extend from the current six days to ten days for eligible individuals, helping them stabilize before entering longer-term treatment. Pierce County Council Chair Jani Hitchen stated this approach significantly increases the chances of lasting recovery and is a compassionate investment in public health. In 2024, Pierce County recorded 423 accidental overdose deaths, with over 70% involving opioids.

Most managed care organizations only authorize five to six days of detox services, but research indicates longer stays correlate with better post-treatment care and sustained recovery. The program, which serves individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodates varying medical needs regardless of the specific substance. MDC has provided withdrawal management services in Pierce County for over 30 years, expanding its detox capacity to 32 beds and assisting more than 2,000 residents in 2024. This expansion is funded partly through opioid settlement dollars and overseen by the Opioid Abatement Council.