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King County’s 2nd Annual Conference on Substance Use Disorders to provide education, hope amid rise in overdose deaths
Summary
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn is hosting the 2nd Annual King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders (CSUD) at 10 a.m. next Thursday, May 19 via Zoom.
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Fatal overdoses continue to climb in King County, with a 40% spike in overdose deaths in 2021 compared to 2020. Meanwhile, substance use has been on the rise nationwide since the start of the pandemic, with 13% of Americans reporting having started or increased substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to COVID-19.
To help provide resources, education, and a dose of hope amid the rise of drug and alcohol use, King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn is hosting the 2nd Annual King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders (CSUD) at 10 a.m. next Thursday, May 19 via Zoom. Registration is required and can be completed here.
“The more I talk about my own past struggles with alcohol use, the more I hear from others who have experience, or are experiencing, those same struggles,” Dunn said. “That’s why part of the goal of this conference is to reduce the stigma around seeking out help — I’ve found it’s important to be open and vulnerable, because this is something that helps others in their own recovery journey.”
One segment of the conference, “Stories of Hope,” will feature multiple people who will share about the ups and downs of recovery, serving as a reminder that recovery is always possible. Another will discuss why societal dynamics such as “Stigma, Bias, and Compassion” are important to recovery outcomes.
Dunn has also been outspoken about the prevalence and dangers of fentanyl, which has been a driving force behind the surge in fatal overdoses. Between 2019 and 2021, King County saw a 247% increase in people who have died from fentanyl. One session of the conference will provide education on fentanyl and share what we as a community can do to help fight it.
A full agenda can be found at the King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders website. Anyone is welcome to attend the Conference and can register online here.