The opioid epidemic in Pierce County will take center stage on Friday, Feb. 22 at the second Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Summit.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Summit is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chris Knutzen Hall, Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Ave. S. in Tacoma. This summit takes place after 2 years of work by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Task Force, led by Tacoma Deputy Mayor Conor McCarthy and Pierce County Councilmember Derek Young. Summit highlights will include an updated snapshot of the opioid epidemic in Pierce County, a review of the draft action agenda, and a small group discussion of proposed actions, resource gaps and resource requirements.
“The task force is implementing strategies for opioid education, prevention and treatment programs and actively seeking funding for the rest. We are excited to share what we’ve learned and find new partnerships at the summit,” said Councilmember Derek Young. “What we know is that information-sharing must happen among all invested to stop the opioid epidemic.”
Summit speakers will include Senator Maria Cantwell, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett, and William C. Moyers, vice president of public affairs and community relations for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
“Opioid-related overdoses were five times higher in 2016 than 1999 and are the leading cause of accidental death in this country, surpassing fatal car accidents,” said Tacoma Deputy Mayor Conor McCarthy. “It is critical that we work together locally, regionally and nationally to find effective and sustainable ways of addressing this ongoing problem.”
More information on the Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Task Force is available online.
ON-SITE MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Babbo, communications specialist
253-798-6248
erin.babbo@piercecountywa.gov