Reminder: My upcoming Conference on Substance Use Disorders

Your Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

A study was just released today that revealed that alcohol-related deaths spiked during the pandemic--yet another indication of the tragic escalation of substance use disorder across America over the past two years as more people struggled with isolation, stress, anxiety, and other psychological burdens of COVID-19. 

This sad news prompted me to remind you that in eight weeks, I am holding my 2nd Annual King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders. There was a lot of interest and participation in last year's conference, so I am glad to be bringing it back again this year.

The King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders will address the issue of substance use from a variety of angles, including: 

• The status of substance use after two years of the pandemic
• Fentanyl as a public health crisis
• The implicit bias and stigma of addiction
• The impact of addiction within the family
• Stories of recovery and hope

This conference is a great resource for anyone who has a loved one who struggles with substance use, has struggled with substance use themselves, or simply wants to learn more about this important issue. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend, and I hope to see you there! You can register online here.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn King County Councilmember District 9

Dunn, Kohl-Welles Recognize National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 

Councilmember Reagan Dunn presents a proclamation of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in King County

At today's Council meeting, Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles and I offered a proclamation recognizing National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in King County. 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is an annual observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance use in our own communities and nationwide. 

Especially with the rise we are seeing in substance use during the pandemic, our communities need to be active in ensuring the next generation is fully educated on the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol. Here at King County, we continue our important work to help those who need it to find treatment.