Erin Hut, Director of Communications

Friday, March 14, 2025 at 11:04 a.m.

Mayor Lisa Brown and Council President Wilkerson have put forward a new proposal to make critical investments in behavioral health services and treatment programs, utilizing funds from national opioid settlements.  

This nearly $1.5 million proposal marks a significant step toward expanding access to care for people and communities impacted by the opioid crisis. These proposed investments were made in collaboration with the Spokane County Board of Commissioners and at the recommendation of City of Spokane and Spokane County staff.  

Mayor Brown and Council President Wilkerson’s proposal seeks to use $350,000 to expand medication-assisted treatment at the Spokane Regional Health District’s clinic. Funding will allow the clinic to increase access to treatment hours, expand operations to absorb walk-in patients, and serve as a drop-off point for first responders, including law enforcement.  

The proposal also includes a $500,000 investment to add additional sobering beds at Spokane Treatment and Recovery Services (STARS).  

Spokane County has indicated its support to match City of Spokane dollars and increase investments the County already has underway. These shared investments will leverage already successful regional projects, partnering at a critical time when the need for key interventions to combat the opioid crisis are more important than ever.  

Mayor Brown and Council President Wilkerson’s proposal seeks additional investments, including $139,000 to hire a project employee to track performance of opioid settlement dollars and strengthen overdose data collection, as well as $500,000 to support the planning and launch of culturally specific, behavioral health treatment.  

“This regional partnership with Spokane County ensures that opioid settlement funds are used effectively to address both the immediate crisis and its long-term impacts,” Mayor Lisa Brown said. “Together, we are strengthening our community’s response to the opioid epidemic and investing in proven solutions. I’m looking forward to working with the Board of County Commissioners to finalize these critical investments.”  

“It is not lost on me that the opioid crisis has profoundly impacted our community, and it is why I strongly advocate for using opioid settlement dollars to invest in behavioral health treatment,” said Council President Betsy Wilkerson. “Now, more than ever, is a critical time to transform these funds into vital resources for those in need. By directing these resources toward comprehensive mental health and addiction services, we can honor those affected while building a healthier future. Access to effective treatment empowers individuals to reclaim their lives and contribute positively to our community.”