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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Yesterday I hosted the first King County Conference on Addiction Disorders as a range of panelists shared their expertise and experience of recovery. It was both an informative and inspiring discussion, and I’ve grateful to each of the over 200 registrants who took part in it.
You can hear me talk about why this conference matters at the following links:
An overarching theme of the conference was reducing the stigma of addiction so that folks who are struggling with substance use are more comfortable asking for help. This was a topic that resurfaced throughout the event as attendees learned about the physical aspects of addiction and how those who are struggling with addiction can find treatment. We closed on a hopeful note with success stories from those—including myself—who have sustained a stable recovery.
The key takeaway is this: recovery is always possible, and there’s an incredible network of people ready to anyone who is ready to take that step. If you need help connecting to treatment, one great resource is SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)—a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service.
In the meantime, I’m working to dedicate $4 million of King County’s seventh COVID supplemental budget proposal to improving behavioral health services rural in King County. This budget is currently being considered by the King County Council and is scheduled for passage in mid-May. In addition, I just today introduced a motion seeking to dedicate a portion of funding in the Best Starts for Kids implementation plan to substance use and mental health services and initiatives. I will continue to update you on this effort as the Best Starts for Kids proposal moves through the Council.
Thank you again to all who helped make the Conference on Addiction Disorders such a successful event. I hope to see you again next year!
Best regards,
Reagan Dunn
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