Harrell unveils $27M plan to address rising drug overdoses in Seattle
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell on Monday announced a $27 million legislative package to reduce the impacts of fentanyl and other illegal drugs, including legislation that would codify state law making public consumption of illegal drugs a gross misdemeanor.
Harrell's office said he is committed to "a dual public health and public safety approach." The plan would for the first time in Seattle designate evidence-based diversion and treatment as the preferred approach to addressing substance use issues.
"Success will not — and cannot — be measured on how many people cycle through jail; instead, our focus is on improving connections to lifesaving treatment and expanding program options to better meet the needs of those with substance use issues," Harrell said in a news release.
He added the city is building out "a bold health-first approach" to help those in need, curtail the impacts of public drug consumption and hold dealers and traffickers accountable.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2023/07/31/seattle-mayor-harrell-plan-combat-drug-overdoses.html