King County Council Declares Fentanyl a Public Health Crisis
 Councilmember Dunn speaking at Council on Tuesday about the fentanyl crisis
The King County Council voted this week to declare fentanyl a public health crisis. With the passage of this legislation, Public Health - Seattle & King County is now tasked with identifying strategies and recommendations to amplify its efforts to reduce fentanyl-related deaths.
Fentanyl is now showing up in counterfeit pills of well-known prescription medications, and it only takes one pill to kill. The rate in deaths from fentanyl overdoses have more than doubled in the last year, and this trend has continued. So far this year, King County is on track to set yet another new record — roughly 264 people have died from fentanyl, over a 46% increase compared to this time last year.
This tragedy has claimed the lives of far too many people in King County, so I am grateful to my colleagues who’ve helped pass my legislation. Also, most importantly, my heart continues to go out to each and every person who has lost a loved one to fentanyl.
For overdose prevention resources and information, please visit here.
Save the Date: Petrovitsky Park Movie Night on July 30th!
Bring out the lawn chairs and join me for the last King County movie night this summer in District 9 at Petrovitsky Park on July 30th! I hope to see you there for a fun time with family and friends. Details are below:
Despicable Me at Petrovitsky Park
Saturday, July 30 Seating opens at 8 PM, movie starts at 9:10 PM
New 988 Mental Health Hotline is Now Live
988 is the new number to call for those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Modeled after 911, the new three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional.
With 41% of adults across the United States suffering from anxiety, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, or another behavioral health challenges during the pandemic, I went to Olympia to testify in support of State House Bill 1477 and advocated for the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline here in King County.
I am glad to see that this new resource is now available to those in crisis.
To learn more about the transition of the 988 Hotline, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/key-messages.
Celebrating History at Black Diamond Miner’s Day!
 Councilmember Dunn with Black Diamond Mayor Carol Benson and Councilmembers Tamie Deady and Debbie Page
This past weekend I attended the Black Diamond Miner’s Day, which celebrates the City’s mining history and our local community! While there, I was able to present Black Diamond Mayor Carol Benson and Councilmembers Tamie Deady and Debbie Page with a grant for youth programs at the community gym. This investment will help the Black Diamond residents and beyond get access to sports and other activities.
Thanks to everyone who celebrated Miner’s Day with us!
Now Accepting Applications: Zero Suicide Initiative Pilot Program
Applications are due Friday, July 29th at 12PM. Apply now at this link.
This program will attempt to prevent youth suicide through partnering with youth-serving medical healthcare and behavioral healthcare organizations to implement the evidence-based Zero Suicide (ZS) systemic suicide care program model in the King County region. The Zero Suicide Initiative Pilot Program (ZSIPP) will provide up to 16 funding and participation access awards to eligible applicant organizations. ZSIPP awardee organizations will receive up to $10,400 each in deliverable-based task payments.
For more details, please visit the grant website here.
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