|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Yesterday, nearly 500 people filled Renton Technical College for the sold-out 6th Annual King County Substance Use Recovery Conference. Centered on the theme “Forward Together,” this year’s conference emphasized the collective action, shared responsibility, and community partnerships needed to support recovery and address substance use across King County.
It was deeply moving to see how much this conference has grown since I first launched it in 2021. Let me be clear: this is life-saving work. Far too many people in King County have had their lives tragically impacted by substance use.
 |
|
“I know from firsthand experience how critical it is that we stay focused on our goal of helping folks find treatment and building a community that supports recovery.”
– Councilmember Reagan Dunn
|
The conference brought together treatment providers, community partners, and representatives from state, county, city, and tribal governments to discuss approaches to delivering recovery services and care in King County. Breakout sessions included a presentation by the Department of Community and Human Services on newly funded Crisis Care Centers, as well as a panel hosted by the Washington Recovery Alliance on culturally responsive recovery.
Our featured speaker at the conference was Regina LaBelle, professor of addiction policy at Georgetown University and former Acting Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. She spoke about how aligned local, state, and federal policies, combined with community partnerships and action, can advance recovery in King County.
“Recovery isn't created by an isolated program, a single government agency, or one fleeting moment in time. It's a lifelong, shared commitment to creating a future where recovery is within reach for everyone.” - Professor Regina LaBelle
From left to right: Carolyn Presnell - Weld Seattle deputy Director, Brad Finegood - Strategic Advisor on Behavioral Health for Public Health – Seattle & King County, Regina LaBelle - professor of Addiction Policy at Georgetown University and former Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Councilmember Reagan Dunn.
I am proud to provide dedicated funding for the conference, with my council colleagues support, through our biennial budget. But this year's event wouldn't have been possible without a number of incredible partners including Public Health – Seattle & King County; the King County Department of Community and Human Services; the King County Recovery Coalition and Washington Recovery Alliance; Renton Technical College; and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.
Additionally, I am pleased that Renton Technical College was able to highlight its Wellbriety Center, which supports students in recovery. Attendees heard powerful stories from youth and young adults navigating recovery. And in a major announcement, the Seattle Indian Health Board shared plans to reopen the Thunderbird Treatment Center on Vashon Island. |
|
 |
After years of increases, fatal overdoses in King County began to decline in 2025. However, the fentanyl crisis remains a serious threat. King County recorded 927 confirmed overdose deaths in 2025, with fentanyl involved in 76% of those deaths.
Anyone who is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder can get connected to treatment and resources by calling SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1-866-789-1511.
Once again, thank you to all of the staff, vendors, speakers, partners, and attendees who helped make this conference a success and move our community forward together.
All my best,
 Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9
|
