(The Center Square) – Leveraging opioid settlement funds, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown and Council President Betsy Wilkerson announced a proposal Friday to invest $1.5 million in behavioral health services.
The proposal largely mirrors the next phase of Spokane County’s opioid response, which it laid out in January. Pending consideration from the Board of County Commissioners and Spokane City Council, the ideas could build on a regional response many residents have requested.
One group started marching from city hall to the commissioners’ office at 5 a.m. every morning last month to demand coordinated action. According to a city news release, the county “has indicated its support to match” the $1.5 million proposal “and increase investments” already in place.
“This regional partnership with Spokane County ensures that opioid settlement funds are used effectively to address both the immediate crisis and its long-term impacts,” Brown wrote in the release. “Together, we are strengthening our community’s response to the opioid epidemic.”
If approved, the proposal would provide $350,000 “to expand medication-assisted treatment at the Spokane Regional Health District’s clinic,” $500,000 for additional sobering beds at Spokane Treatment & Recovery Services’ new facility, $169,000 to track performance data and $500,000 “to support the planning and launch of culturally specific, behavioral health treatment.”
Justin Johnson, director of the county’s Community Services Department, asked the board to expand its opioid response by $650,000 in January. Doing so could send $400,000 to expand SRHD for the same reason, with another $250,000 intended for sobering beds at STARS.
If approved, the city and county both plan on paying for the investments with money received from litigation against opioid manufacturers. The settlement funds allowed STARS to build its facility, with more approved by the board last week to finish construction over the coming months.
Spokane County expects to receive up to $27 million in opioid settlement funds through 2028, with the city anticipating an additional $13.3 million. The county has also funded other related projects, with the city investing in high utilizer and behavioral health initiatives.
The Center Square contacted Spokane County about its intention to match the city’s investments but did not receive an immediate response.
“Now, more than ever, is a critical time to transform these funds into vital resources,” Wilkerson wrote in the release. “By directing these resources toward comprehensive mental health and addiction services, we can honor those affected while building a healthier future.”
