The Spokane Regional Opioid Taskforce (SROTF) mission is to prevent harms related to opioid use and to address the consequences of opioid misuse and opioid use disorders.

The Spokane Regional Opioid Task Force established the following vision for the community:

A safe and healthy community free from the ravages of opioid and other drug addiction and misuse

With these funds, we intend to update the Spokane Regional Opioid Task Force Website with task force member input. These funds will provide the annual hosting fee of the website, maintenance, and updating associated costs for the website. Thank you personally to Rob Stevens, with Molina, for your assistance and partnership in advocating for this for the task force!

Thank you Wellpoint for your generous financial sponsorship! These funds will be used to support the Spokane Regional Opioid Task Force and West Spokane Wellness Partnership with family programs, parenting programs, outreach events, and future medication take back days!

Mayor Lisa Brown Declared an Opioid Crisis Emergency based on background factual findings and data. The City of Spokane Recognizes the opioid crisis as a national epidemic and community safety issue. Furthermore, data shows that opioid overdose has risen between 82 percent from 2019 to 2023, and preliminary data from 2024 suggest this rate continues to rise. In declaring the state of emergency Mayor Brown will establish an integrated opioid response team. The declaration will enable the city to implement several public health and safety initiatives immediately. The initiatives will focus on areas in Spokane where individuals have been severely impacted by substance use.

June is Pride Month, a celebration and reflection on the continuing fight for justice, equity, and support of those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Two-spirit (LGBTQI+). According to the Williams Institute, there are almost 2 million LGBT+ youth in the US, but stigma, discrimination, and increased risk for substance use are still major issues that put their health at risk (CDC).

The CDC supports creating safe and supportive learning environments for LGBTQI+ youth, as this is a proven way to promote their health and well-being. When schools implement practices that produce these environments, all students experience better health outcomes, including feelings of school connectedness. We have provided resources and evidenced-based practices to consider for activity implementation that can support and uplift LGBTQI+ youth.

Resources to Support LGBTQI+ Youth

· LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools: A Self-Assessment Tool | CDC

· Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth | SAMSHA

· Emerging Practices for Supporting LGBTQI+ Young People |HHS

· LGBTQ+ Community Resources | Trevor Project

· Thriving and Healthy Kids: We All Have a Role to Play in Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov)

LGBTQ individuals are disproportionately affected by substance use and misuse as they often face unique challenges such as discrimination, social stigma, and higher rates of mental health issues, all of which can contribute to an increased risk of substance use disorder. Addressing these challenges through targeted prevention efforts not only promotes the well-being and mental health of LGBTQ individuals but also strengthens the community as a whole.

What Can Prevention Professionals Do?

1. Inclusive prevention programs
2. Advocacy and Education
3. Supportive Policies
4. Creation of Safe Spaces
5. Utilizing Data-Driven Approaches

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us commit to supporting the LGBTQ community by addressing the critical issue of substance use prevention.

View here for more information: https://pttcnetwork.org/news/celebrating-lgbtq-pride-month-with-a-focus-on-substance-use-prevention/

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approximately 100 times stronger than morphine and approximately 50 times stronger than heroin. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (for pain relief) and an anesthetic (for anesthesia). Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been largely attributed to illegally manufactured fentanyl that has become increasingly common in the unregulated drug supply.

The Office of Cannabis Management (Office) has created this fact sheet to address misconceptions about cannabis being mixed with fentanyl. The goal of this fact sheet is to provide evidence where it is available, to share information about what is currently known and unknown, and to provide safety tips to help alleviate some of these misconceptions, often spread through misinformed media coverage and anecdotal reporting.

The summit will bring Tribal leaders, Governor Jay Inslee, and state agency leaders together to discuss the impact of the opioid crisis on Native communities across Washington State and identify action items and solutions. Updates on steps taken to address the priorities identified in the first Tribal Opioid Summit will be provided.

The summit will have much to offer from breakout sessions, networking, information tables, a wellness room, chest feeding room, fun welcome bags, and much more!

The summit will be held at the Davenport Grand Hotel in Spokane, WA. Reservations for the hotel will be made by individual attendees directly with Marriott reservations at (800) 228-9290 or (509) 458-3330.

Last Day to Book: Thursday, June 27, 2024

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

• The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection for 127 USD per night

Book your group rate for 2nd Annual WA State Tribal Opioid/Fentanyl Summit

Space is limited and will sell out.

You will be able to select which breakout sessions you would like to attend during checkout. Please select "tickets" below to let us know which part of the summit you will be attending so we can plan enough food and other resources. Click on "read more" on each ticket to see which meals are being provided.

Day 1- ½ day: Review of 2023 Priorities and Actions Completed. Lunch provided.

Day 2- full day: Identifying new priorities. Breakfast and lunch provided.

BREAKOUT 1-CEDAR BALLROOM. SESSION NAME:Housing Priorities

BREAKOUT 2- BIRCH BALLROOM. SESSION NAME:Justice Priorities

BREAKOUT 3- MAPLE BALLROOM. SESSION NAME:Prevention/Harm Reduction/Treatment/Recovery Supports

BREAKOUT 4-TERRACE ROOM EAST. SESSION NAME:Family and Community Services

BREAKOUT 5- TERRACE ROOM WEST. SESSION NAME:First Responders

Day 3 ½ day: Tribal caucus, Roundtable with Governor Inslee and Agency Leadership. Breakfast and lunch provided.

Register for the event today at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-washington-state-tribal-opioid-fentanyl-summit-tickets-862554783577?aff=oddtdtcreator

2024 Art of Recovery

The SAMHSA Office of Recovery is pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 Art of Recovery project in accordance with Mental Health Awareness Month. This initiative highlights the impact of art on mental health and substance use recovery, showcasing how creative expression can serve as a pathway to solace, healing, and empowerment. The project solicits submissions, including artwork and a brief description of the artist’s inspiration from artists with lived or living recovery experience and their family members. Submissions will be accepted until June 28, 2024. Learn more about Art of Recovery.

Key Findings

• 1,667 participants of Washington State syringe services programs (SSPs) completed a survey on their substance use, health behaviors, and health care and substance use treatment needs.
• Methamphetamine use among SSP participants was prevalent and frequent. More had used methamphetamine in the past week (89%) than fentanyl (61%), yet equal proportions (39%) identified either methamphetamine or fentanyl as their “main” drug. Most had used methamphetamine (62%) or fentanyl (51%) between 5-7 days of the past week.
• Prevalence of drug smoking among participants was high at all SSPs. Most (89%) had smoked a drug in the past week and 36% had both smoked and injected. Only 10% used drugs exclusively by injection.
• There was substantial use of safer smoking supplies at SSPs that distribute them and high interest among participants in getting safer smoking supplies at SSPs that do not yet distribute them.
• Housing was a crucial and substantial need among participants. Over half (55%) were living unhoused and 25% had only temporary/unstable housing. Among these individuals who did not have permanent housing, 68% said they would reduce or completely quit using their main drug if they had stable housing. 44% reported their “top need in life right now” to be housing.
• The majority of SSP survey participants were interested in reducing or stopping their stimulant and/or opioid use but face internal and external barriers to doing so. 32% said there was a time in the last 12 months when they “tried to get help to reduce their drug use but didn’t/couldn’t get it.”
• SSP participants wanted to receive additional services at their SSP including drug checking services, medical care, and behavioral health support. 75% said they would see a health care provider and 68% would see a mental health counselor at the SSP where they were taking the survey.

View the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UDKDOkD1hA

View the pdf report here: https://adai.uw.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/ssp-health-survey-2023.pdf

View the one-page fact sheet here: https://adai.uw.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/SSP-Survey-Participant-Handout-2024-4-1.pdf

View more here: https://adai.uw.edu/syringe-survey-2023/

DanceSafe is a non-profit whose programs include drug education, sexual health education, political advocacy, and event outreach. You can purchase Fentanyl Test Strips directly from their website, found here: https://dancesafe.org/about-us/

PEER Spokane now has a Narcan vending machine on site with additional basic needs supplies. You can find local Narcan sites at: https://stopoverdose.org/find-naloxone-near-me-washington-state/

Spokane County Board of Commissioners approved four strategic projects from its Opioid Settlement Fund, presented by Spokane County Regional Behavioral Health.

The four strategic Projects include:

• 23-hour Crisis Relief and Sobering Center Expansion Project - $5.2 Million
  • To expand the current Spokane Regional Crisis Stabilization Center to include 23-hour immediate crisis and stabilization services, Mental Health and Substance Use, treatment, and withdrawal/detox management care.
• Long-term Housing and Treatment Support Services for Parents/Caregivers of Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) - $600,000
  • To provide housing and supportive living services, integrated childcare support, Mental Health and Substance Use care coordination/case management services, etc.
• Direct Treatment Services – Community Expansion of Behavioral Health Triage and Sobering Services- $1.2 Million
  • To improve access to necessary behavioral health services, improve care coordination and equitable access, and expand critically necessary Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services within the community.
• Other Direct Services – Continued evaluation of System Needs and Gap Areas- $200,000 (Annually)

The Opioid Settlement Funds are coming to Spokane County as a result of litigation against entities with the pharmaceutical supply chain of prescription opioids. Members of the Board of Commissioners hope that these projects will stabilize individuals in crisis, more effectively coordinate care, and connect individuals struggling with addiction to resources. They hope these projects will help fill key gaps in the behavioral health system and implement solutions to support and assist individuals impacted by the opioid crisis and experiencing behavioral health needs.

View more here: https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5076

Curriculum-Based Support Groups(CBSG) are a unique, multicultural, evidence-based preventive intervention for selective and indicated populations. The program is designed for youth, ages 10-17. Indicated interventions target those already using or engaged in other high-risk behaviors to prevent heavy or chronic use. Youth meet in confidential, small group settings and are taught a set of essential life skills to help them learn how to: cope with difficult family situations, resist negative peer pressure, respect others, set and achieve goals, make healthy choices, and refuse alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.

Quick Facts:

• Can be implemented in a school or community setting
• Weekly sessions for 10 weeks
• 50-minute sessions
• Small groups (6-12 youth)
• Led by a trained facilitator

West Spokane Wellness Partnership has implemented CBSG three times at two middle schools and one high school in Spokane. Serving a total of 11 students with 4 different trained facilitators. The pre and post-data from these groups have indicated positive results. See below for quantitative and qualitative data.

CBSG improves youth protective factors and strengthens personal resiliency by giving youth opportunities to:

• Experience less isolation and know they are not alone
• Increase hope and optimism
• Build friendships, have a sense of belonging and connectedness
• Experience non-judgmental support in a safe, confidential setting
• Have the caring support of a safe, trustworthy adult
• Cope with stress, anger, anxiety, and other hard feelings in healthy ways
• Understand their decisions have consequences (negative and positive)

Data from the groups showed that there was a 37% increase in youth positive self-image from pre-implementation to post-implementation. Students stated that the group was fun, that they liked how they could be themselves, and that they wished that the group was longer and they felt less alone. For more data/results from this group please contact us!

To learn more about CBSG visit their website: https://rainbowdays.org/our-services/cbsg-program-2/