Summary

King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Jeanne Kohl-Welles on Tuesday led the King County Council in proclaiming the week of March 21-27 as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.

Story

King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Jeanne Kohl-Welles on Tuesday led the King County Council in proclaiming the week of March 21-27 as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. This proclamation comes after King County tragically saw a record number of overdose deaths in 2021.

“Especially with the rise we are seeing in substance use during the pandemic, our communities need to be active in ensuring the next generation is fully educated on the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol,” Dunn said. “I could not be prouder of the work we have done here in King County to raise awareness of this issue, and I know we will continue to see this work through and do what we can to help those who need it to find treatment.”

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is an annual, week-long health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science to improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in local communities and nationwide.

In 2021, King County sadly set a record of 718 overdose deaths. This was up 40.5% (511) from 2020, the previous record-setting year. Of the confirmed overdose deaths, fentanyl has been the leading cause in overdose deaths in King County, accounting for nearly 56% (391) of the total overdose deaths in King County, as well as the leading cause for overdose deaths among those 18 years of age and younger in King County. This proclamation also comes after the King County Council passed an Anti-Stigma Awareness Campaign for substance use.

“The pandemic we have endured for more than two years has only exacerbated the scourge of drug and alcohol addiction and dependencies — not only nationwide, but right here at home in King County,” Kohl-Welles said. “Many of us, I included, have family members or friends who have died or been seriously impaired as a result of substance abuse. It is essential that we as a regional government continue to provide treatment services to assist those in need to recover and be able to live healthy and happy lives. Today’s proclamation recognizes this ongoing problem and should galvanize all of us to do more.”

The proclamation is in coordination with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at the National Institutes of Health, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information on National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, visit teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week

Resources for those experiencing substance use disorder:
Washington Recovery Helpline: 1-866-789-1511
SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
FindTreatment.gov
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Alcoholics Anonymous Greater Seattle: (206) 587-2838
King County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Division Client Services line:1-800-790-8049
Northpoint the Evergreen: (855) 218-8022
PNW Adult Teen Challenge: (425) 226-2608