Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released a district opioid report that analyzes the ongoing opioid epidemic in Northwest Washington and offers federal policy recommendations to address many of the concerns he has heard from constituents, local leaders and stakeholders in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is time to regain the momentum to combat the opioid epidemic and save lives,” said Larsen. “Congress and the Biden administration must do more to coordinate with local governments, Tribal communities, law enforcement, health care providers and community partners who are on the front lines of the epidemic. This begins with understanding the challenges communities are facing and working together to break down barriers to lasting solutions.”

The Opioid Epidemic is Devastating Northwest Washington

The opioid epidemic is devastating Northwest Washington:

• Between February 2022 and February 2023, Washington state had the largest percentage increase of drug overdose deaths in the United States.
• In the five counties in Washington’s Second Congressional District – Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan – most overdose deaths can be attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
• In 2022, more than 75 percent of Washington’s overall drug overdose deaths were linked to opioids. Even though the United States saw a 3 percent decline in overdose deaths overall during this period, deaths in Washington state increased by more than 21 percent, continuing trends which began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Larsen’s Four-Pillar Approach to Combating the Opioid Epidemic

Larsen’s report outlines a comprehensive, four-pillar framework centered around prevention, interdiction, treatment and recovery to tackle the ongoing crisis:

• Preventing individuals from turning to opioids;
• Interdicting the flow of opioids into communities;
• Expanding treatment; and
• Supporting long-term recovery for individuals and building resiliency in local communities.

In addition to the several federal policy recommendations listed in his report, Larsen plans to soon introduce legislation aimed at creating a dedicated funding source for multijurisdictional drug task forces and helping communities that have been economically dislocated by the opioid epidemic recover.

Additional Information

To read Larsen’s district opioid report, click here.

To read Larsen’s op-ed featured in Cascadia Daily News, click here.

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