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Using opioids during warmer summer months can elevate the risk of overdose and heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, due to impaired ability to regulate internal temperature. A new brief details what the data show is happening in Snohomish County. To explore seasonal trends, emergency department visits for opioid overdoses from 2021 to 2024 were analyzed in both Washington State and Snohomish County. Statewide, the yearly peak in opioid overdose emergency department visits occurred in the third quarter (July - September) from 2021 to 2023, shifting to the fourth quarter (October - December) in 2024. In the same time period, Snohomish County did not exhibit that seasonal trend. Emergency department visits for opioid overdoses here did not consistently peak during warmer summer months. (That also was true during colder holiday seasons). Regardless, the key takeaway: If you use drugs, avoid using in the heat, find air-conditioned areas, stay hydrated, and always carry naloxone.
See all data briefs.
 Click image to view data brief.
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A new data dashboard is tracking how opioid settlement dollars are being put to work supporting recovery in Snohomish County.
The Snohomish County Opioid Overdose Prevention Projects dashboard uses data visualizations to make it easy to monitor progress on various initiatives. These include naloxone leave-behind efforts and trainings plus the number of people who have been assisted under projects funded through microservice agreements.
The dashboard is one tool that aims to promote transparency about how settlement money from opioid lawsuits is being spent in the community.
 Click image to view dashboard.
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The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office posted Ricky’s story on Facebook on March 27. Read below:
Meet Ricardo, or as most people know him, "Ricky." For several years, Ricky struggled with substance use, facing numerous arrests and law enforcement contacts between 2019 and 2023. His addiction led to homelessness, and he was contacted by the Office of Neighborhoods (OON) team and patrol deputies many times in the south Everett area.
In October 2023, after being arrested, Ricky made the life-changing decision to accept help and address his substance use addiction. He began working with OON/SCOUT Social Worker Genet Gebrehiwet and entered Snohomish County Drug Court.
Today, we're proud to announce that on March 20, 2025, Ricky successfully graduated from drug court with 529 days of sobriety!
Ricky is now focused on helping others and is currently studying to become a nurse!
A special thank you to Human Services Social Worker Genet Gebrehiwet, Deputy Teigen, and the entire OON/SCOUT team who stood by Ricky throughout his journey. Together, we celebrated Ricky’s graduation at the Courthouse, recognizing his incredible achievement.
Ricky, your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring. We wish you continued success in your recovery and in all your future endeavors. You are proof that with the right determination, support and goals, change is possible! Thank you for allowing us to share your inspiring story!
 Click image to view post.
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The Snohomish County Therapeutic Court Alumni Group was reestablished in early 2024. The group's mission is to cultivate leaders and peers who maintain a strong therapeutic community, promote meaningful, purposeful, supportive connections through fellowship, meetings, and leadership, and strengthen and improve outcomes for all participants, past and present, by creating a peer-led group focused on long-term recovery.
“I love being a part of a community that can offer support and resources to other alumni and recovery court participants,” said Alumni Leader Sydnee.
“It’s a great community to continue being involved with and to help the newcomers understand the process from a person that’s actually been through it successfully,” said Alumni Leader Amber.
The Snohomish County Alumni Leadership is helping to form the Washington State Therapeutic Court Alumni Association, supporting the entire state in creating and maintaining these recovery-focused groups.
Questions? Please contact SSC-ARC@snoco.org for questions regarding Snohomish County alumni and https://www.wstcaa.org/ for the Washington State Therapeutic Court Alumni Association.
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Join the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition and the Everett AquaSox on June 13 for Spring Into Recovery 2. The event will feature a recovery resource fair earlier in the day, with more than 80 organizations, direct access to services, food, and fun. The event will be capped by an evening of baseball as the AquaSox face the Tri-City Dust Devils. The goal of the event is to come together as a community to celebrate the gift of recovery and to offer hope for healing.
This is a Funko Friday Giveaway so all attendees will receive an AquaSox tote bag and Recovery T-shirt (as supplies last). General admission tickets to the game are available now for $15 or $12 when you use Promo Code SCRCALLY. There is also the option of donating a ticket for $8, allowing “our unhoused or income-restricted neighbors to attend the event and promote their recovery,” the coalition said on its webpage for the event. All tickets purchased will help to fund the overall event.
Go here to purchase tickets or learn more about participating in the resource fair.
 Click image for more details.
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Amy Wheat, Snohomish County Opioid Outreach Specialist, is scheduled to provide a free Narcan training May 14 at Advocates Recovery Services in Lynnwood. Whether you’re personally impacted by substance use, a concerned community member, or a healthcare provider, this training equips you with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to an overdose. Register here: https://www.advocatesrecovery.org/events/narcan-training-may25
Snohomish County Human Services also plans to distribute free Narcan (naloxone) at the Healthy Living in the Stilly Valley Health & Safety Fair May 17 in Arlington. Organizers say this year’s event will focus on promoting health and safety for both youth and adults. Over 25 local organizations will have resource tables, giveaways, and fun activities for everyone in the community. Plus, families can explore a variety of vehicles, including a police car, fire truck, transit bus, and more!
 Click image for more details on the fair.
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