Showing posts with label drugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drugs. Show all posts

AG Ferguson statement on Purdue Pharma bankruptcy proposal

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued the following statement on a proposed bankruptcy plan from Purdue Pharma:

“I filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma to hold the company accountable for its role fueling the opioid epidemic. Our investigation and lawsuit helped shut down Purdue and the Sacklers’ illegal conduct. We were preparing for trial when Purdue filed for bankruptcy, stopping all legal actions.

“This settlement plan allows the Sacklers to walk away as billionaires with a legal shield for life. To add insult to injury, they don’t even have to apologize. The Sackler family made $11 billion dollars from Purdue while Washington families suffered as a result of their conduct. A legal shield prevents us from holding the Sacklers accountable in a court of law. I cannot in good conscience accept those terms.

“Washington’s opposition to this settlement does not prevent Washington from receiving its share of the settlement funds if the court ultimately accepts the bankruptcy settlement. But I want the court – and Washingtonians impacted by the devastation of the epidemic – to know that this plan is deeply unfair. At a minimum, the Sacklers should pay back the $11 billion they received from Purdue and issue an apology to every family they harmed.”





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Shoreline man arrested in Lynnwood for DUI after hitting a motorcyclist

Friday, July 2, 2021

A motorcyclist was critically injured after colliding with a van on June 29.
Photo courtesy Lynnwood Police Department)

A 51-year-old man suspected of DUI was arrested Tuesday night after colliding with a motorcyclist who was critically injured, according to the Lynnwood Police Department.

Around 10 p.m. on June 29, police say the suspect — a Shoreline man driving a Dodge Caravan — was traveling southbound on Highway 99 when he attempted to make a left-hand turn onto 52nd Avenue. He then struck the motorcyclist — a 21-year old Edmonds man — who was traveling northbound on Highway 99.

According to police, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and is facing vehicular assault charges for a crash. The suspect wasn’t injured.

The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. As of Wednesday morning, police spokesperson Joanna Small said the victim’s condition remained critical but stable.

Prior to medical aid arriving on the scene, Small said a passer-by rendered aid to the victim. The department’s traffic unit is investigating the collision, she said.

–By Cody Sexton in Lynnwood Today

Note: police did not release the names


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King county police: This driver was Truly drunk

Friday, June 4, 2021

It appears this driver was "Truly" drunk.
 
A deputy stopped her on Friday, May 25, 2021 around 11:10pm in Kenmore, after he watched her swerve all over the road near NE Bothell Way and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park.

The deputy observed the grey Lexus sedan crossing both the center line and the fog line as it drove northbound on NE Bothell Way. 

The vehicle eventually came to a red light but didn't stop until the vehicle was halfway in to the crosswalk. 

The deputy had seen enough. He activated his emergency lights, and pulled the Lexus over.
 
The driver seemed anxious, hunching over the wheel and avoiding eye contact. The deputy could smell alcohol and observed at least two open and empty containers of alcohol on the floor boards.

Asked if she'd been drinking, the driver hesitated then said she had only two glasses of wine. She agreed to undergo both a voluntary field sobriety test and a preliminary breath test.

She failed the field sobriety test and on the preliminary breath test blew a .155, nearly twice the legal limit. 

She was arrested and taken to the local precinct, where the final breath samples were taken: a .159 and .158.

A DUI charge is pending.

--King County Sheriff's Office



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Rep. Lauren Davis D-Shoreline on the end of the legislative session - From Handcuffs to Help

Monday, April 26, 2021

Rep. Lauren Davis, D-32
The legislature adjourns today: sine die. 

I spent the entire session working with my incredible colleagues to shift our state's response to individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) from one of incarceration to one of treatment-- from handcuffs to help. 

While we ultimately did not have the votes to pass 'no criminal penalties for possession of controlled substances,' there is so much that I am proud of in our Blake response bill (SB 5476):

    đź’ś It includes $88 million in new investments across the entire substance use disorder continuum of care. By my count, this is the largest investment in SUD services in state history-- by orders of magnitude.
    đź’› It sets up a new statewide recovery navigator program so that every person, every family has a place to turn in their communities if this disease hits home. The recovery navigator program represents so much of everything I've always dreamed of for our state: real time access to peer-led, person-centered outreach, case management and recovery coaching services that stick with a person no matter where they are on their journey
    đź’™ It passed the House in a strongly bipartisan manner: 80-18!
When we fully fund outreach, treatment, and recovery support services, recovery is not only possible, it's probable. It's just we never have. Until now.

--Rep. Lauren Davis, D-32 


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Inebriated driver didn't appreciate the rescue

Saturday, April 17, 2021

From the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO)

Chugging Vodka straight from the bottle is your prerogative. Might we suggest you do it at home instead of in front of a deputy who has just responded to your DUI crash?
 
The driver took out the stop sign, the pole and street name sign, and made a serious dent in the fence around the Seattle Golf Club. Photo courtesy KCSO

On April 1, 2021 at 6:00pm, our 9-1-1 communications center received a call regarding an accident in the 14500 block of Greenwood Ave N in Shoreline.
 
Responding deputies arrived and observed a female sitting in the driver's seat with her seatbelt on and a vodka bottle in her right hand. The deputies could smell the strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver.

The driver then became belligerent, insulted the deputies, and then "chugged" the rest of the bottle, which was approximately half full.

As the woman reached for a cigarette and lighter, deputies asked her not to smoke due to the smell of leaking gas from the accident. The woman replied by telling the deputies to "shut up." To ensure her safety, and those around her, deputies took the woman out of the vehicle.
 
Once out of the car, the female was unable to stand. Fire personnel checked her for injuries. To thank them, the driver assaulted a firefighter by smacking him with an open hand.

Due to her uncooperative nature, the female was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw. Again, the female was extremely combative, this time with hospital staff. After the blood draw, a deputy stayed with her until she sobered up enough to calm down.
 
The woman was then transported to the SCORE (South Correctional Entity) jail and booked for DUI.



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Inslee signs commutations following court decision on simple drug possession

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Gov. Inslee
file photo pre-pandemic
Gov. Jay Inslee has signed commutations for 13 individuals convicted of drug possession charges under a law that was recently struck down by the Washington State Supreme Court. Those individuals have been released from Department of Corrections custody.

More commutations are expected in response to petitions from incarcerated individuals, with the governor planning to sign at least two more today. 

Last week, Inslee offered unconditional commutations to individuals remaining in Department of Corrections (DOC) custody solely on simple drug possession convictions.

In February, the court struck down a portion of state law that makes simple drug possession a crime. A majority of justices said the law was unconstitutional because it did not require prosecutors prove a suspect knowingly or intentionally possessed contraband. 

The court’s decision essentially invalidated the statute that was the basis for the criminal convictions and related sentences for numerous individuals, including many in DOC custody in state prisons solely for these now-invalidated drug possession convictions.

While prosecutors and the courts have worked to vacate the convictions of individuals convicted and sentenced under this now-invalidated drug possession statute, the governor has endeavored to use his clemency authority to expeditiously facilitate a more immediate release for other individuals in custody solely on these convictions.



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Washington State Quitline: 20 years helping Washingtonians break free from tobacco

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health Quitline has provided free, personalized tobacco cessation counseling and medication to tens of thousands of callers.

In 2020, the North American Quitline Consortium ranked Washington’s quitline second in the nation for its participant quit rate.

It is more important than ever to reduce tobacco use and vaping because they increase the risk of developing serious health complications from viral infections, including COVID-19.

The quitline helps meet the needs of distinct groups, such as teens who vape and pregnant women who smoke, by counseling them on ways to beat nicotine addiction. Counseling is available in more than 240 languages, and participants can also get text- and web-based support.

An evaluation of 2018-19 quitline services estimated that nearly 35 percent of participants quit tobacco within seven months of registering. And, for every dollar spent on services, Washington saved five dollars in lost productivity, medical, and other costs.

Still, Washington spends more than $2.8 billion on annual health care related to smoking. About 8,300 Washington adults die each year from smoking, with a disproportionately high burden on minorities and people who receive low wages.

As of 2019, 13 percent of adults in Washington smoked cigarettes. Nationally, tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death.

To get help quitting cigarettes, vaping or any tobacco product, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or text READY to 200-400. Health care providers can refer patients online at quitline.com



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Rep. Davis' Pathways to Recovery Act passes out of committee

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Rep. Lauren Davis, D-32
Pathways to Recovery Act
House Bill 1499 Passes to Appropriations

Prime Sponsors Rep. Lauren Davis, D-32; 
Rep. Kirsten Harris-Talley, D-37

Signing on as sponsors: 
Rep. Ryu, D-32, Rep. Valdez, D-46, Rep. Pollet, D-46

By Donna Hawkey

“Substance use disorder is a response to trauma. We should not be asking why the drug but why the pain? It’s about not wanting to experience the presence because it’s too painful a place to be, “Rep. Lauren Davis.

The Washington State House Legislature has passed an urgently needed and innovative bill. The Pathways to Recovery Act, HB 1499, will overhaul the current system for untreated addiction or Substance Use Disorder (SUD). And it lessens criminal prosecution for that medical disease by shifting to a treatment-based model for all urban and rural areas.

There has been a 38% increase in overdose deaths in the first half of 2020 compared to the first half of 2019. SUD is yet another health crisis disproportionately affecting American Indian/Alaska Natives, Hispanic/Latinx, and Black citizens. 

According to the WA State Department of Health, the 2020 increase in overdoses has been the largest in these communities, who are already dealing with inequitable health outcomes.

HB 1499, Pathways to Recovery, addresses the crisis of SUD and creates a profound bridge to sustainable SUD recovery. “There is nearly universal agreement that our state’s response to addressing substance use disorder is woefully inadequate,” Rep. Davis.

Rep. Lauren Davis, 32nd District, thanked her “amazing” co-sponsor, Rep. Kirsten-Harris Talley, and others at a public hearing on February 12, 2021.

At the hearing, eighteen individuals spoke in full support, and two spoke in opposition. Heard were a range of voices from people directly affected by SUD: government officials, prosecutors, religious leaders, and a group of international government leaders with decades of SUD treatment experiences.

In Full Support- Eighteen individuals – Summary of testimony

Drug addiction is a treatable brain disease that is a medical need. SUD criminalization is a barrier to treatment. There is evidence that SUD treatment is hidden from doctors due to shame and leads to further abuse. A lack of public understanding and goodwill that addiction is a defined disease by the medical profession is a barrier, too.

People become caught in an endless cycle of felony charges and warrants that trail them the rest of their lives, even upon becoming drug-free. Difficulties in getting a job, a rental lease, a mortgage, or a credit line all become negative social and economic consequences of criminalizing a disease. Social isolation and the feeling that a person is less worthy due to addiction are other serious outcomes.

Those that lose their children to addiction describe their deepest despair and loss of hope when they witness their child start their teenage years with addiction and end up in the criminal system with a permanent record, or worse, death by overdose. This happens to families regardless of education, income, job, or neighborhood.

Some children grow up as witnesses to parents’ or guardians’ routine drug usage and dysfunction; thus, it becomes learned behavior.

There is some rehab success in the criminal system, but it’s not nearly enough and always accessible. The current system is not well-equipped for preventative, follow-up, and recovery support. 

Treatment first - not punishment - works best, according to examples within Washington State and worldwide. “First, do no harm,” is a good motto.

The United States jails more people than any other country in the world. The elimination of illicit drugs and availability has not been successful in the US or anywhere globally. HB 1499 is compared to nine other countries and follows all the current best practices. It is considered a holistic and comprehensive approach.

Some key findings from other countries: when SUD gets treated with adequate compassionate and evidence-based services, petty crimes drop dramatically, courts and jails are less burdened, and illicit drug decriminalization does not lead to more drug use.

With Opposition- Two Individuals– Summary of testimony

The opposition expressed concerns centered around eliminating criminal penalties for possession of small personal amounts of controlled substances. Public safety and mixed messages are essential considerations, too, and there is the potential to disseminate misinformation that illicit drug use is now acceptable.

After an Executive Committee discussion and vote on February 15th, HB 1499, Pathways to Recovery Act, is referred to Appropriations for budget analysis.

“A very small portion of people living with substance usage disorder are ever arrested for possession. This bill is about reaching every person living with substance use disorder before they ever touch the legal system,” Rep Davis.

If you know of anyone who wants treatment or wants to learn more, please see the Washington Recovery Helpline, or call 1-866-789-1511.

The next step for the bill is to be scheduled on the House calendar for a vote.


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Rep. Lauren Davis' bill on substance disorder treatment to receive hearing Friday morning in House Public Safety committee

Friday, February 12, 2021

Rep. Lauren Davis D-32
The Pathways to Recovery Act sponsored by Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline will receive a public hearing in the House Public Safety Committee on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 10am.

The hearing will be televised on TVW https://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2021021226

HB 1499, the Pathways to Recovery Act, sponsored by Reps. Lauren Davis and Kirsten Harris-Talley, proposes a new approach to promoting recovery and improving public safety by building a fully-funded substance use disorder continuum of care in lieu of eliminating ineffective and harmful criminal penalties for possession of personal use amounts of controlled substances.

The legislation recognizes that substance use disorder is a treatable brain disease from which people can and do recover if they are given access to effective services including pre-treatment outreach, treatment, and recovery support services.

No one has fallen too far into active addiction to recover, but the current system of consequences like arrest and incarceration is not effective at addressing this health condition.

Instead, possession charges lead to intensified feelings of shame and worthlessness, and increased substance use.

Recovery is born of hope, not of pain. A clear pathway to recovery for individuals is required. This includes focusing on the unique needs of individuals, providing evidence-based interventions, and a community that will invest in recovery.

The Pathways to Recovery Act will infuse person-centered care and resources like peer recovery coaches into every community.

The bill follows in the footsteps of Oregon’s successful 2020 ballot measure.

The House Public Safety committee will hear from individuals who have been directly impacted by substance use disorder, local government officials and prosecutors, religious leaders, and international experts.
  • Stephen Eisler, person in long-term recovery with 7 previous felony possession convictions
  • Linda Robertson, lost son to overdose
  • Michelle Horne-Richburg, impacted family member
  • Mika Watson-Cheesman and Sean Wright, PATH Peer Outreach Lead and PATH Outreach Coordinator, Capital Recovery Center
  • Cindy Grande, Olympia Bupe Clinic Medical Director
  • Marc Stern, Clinical Professor, University of Washington School of Public Health
  • Keith Blocker, Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Dan Satterberg, King County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Nichole Alexander, Outreach and Engagement Staff, REACH/JustCARE Project
  • Carmen Pacheco-Jones, Director, Blue Mountain Heart to Heart
  • Ruth Dreifuss, Commissioner and former Chair, The Global Commission on Drug Policy; former President of Switzerland
  • JoĂŁo Augusto Castel-Branco GoulĂŁo, Director General, Portugal’s Intervention on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies General Directorate (SICAD)
  • Caitlin Hughes, Associate Professor, Flinders University (South Australia)
  • Monte Levine, Drug Policy Advocate and Health Expert
  • Meta Hogan, Staff, Gather Church
  • Meg Martin, Director, Interfaith Works


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AG Ferguson will direct $13.5 million from McKinsey lawsuit toward treatment, prevention, other efforts to address opioid epidemic in Washington state

Friday, February 5, 2021

Payment resolves Ferguson’s investigation into McKinsey’s role fueling the opioid epidemic as consultant for Purdue Pharmaceuticals

SEATTLE — As a result of an investigation launched by Attorney General Bob Ferguson, McKinsey, a multinational consulting firm that worked with Purdue Pharma, will pay $13,465,833 to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. 

Ferguson is directing the entire amount to be invested in treatment, prevention and other efforts to address the opioid epidemic in Washington.

Today, Ferguson will file a consent decree, or legally enforceable agreement, in King County Superior Court requiring McKinsey to pay Washington $13,465,833 and enact additional corporate reforms. The consent decree resolves Ferguson’s investigation into McKinsey’s conduct for unlawfully fueling the opioid epidemic. 

This consent decree is separate, and different in one important respect from another consent decree involving McKinsey that a coalition of 47 states filed today.

At Ferguson’s insistence, local Washington jurisdictions will not be prohibited from bringing their own suits against McKinsey. 

This provision is the only difference between the legally binding agreement filed in Washington and the 47-state agreement with McKinsey. Ferguson worked with the multistate coalition throughout the investigation.

More information here



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42 overdose deaths in King county in a two-week period - the highest ever documented

Monday, January 18, 2021

It is important to have naloxone available.
Visit
 http://stopoverdose.org/section/find-naloxone-near-you/.
Public Health – Seattle and King County is alerting our community about a sharp rise in fatal overdoses over the past two weeks. 

In the period from Dec. 27, 2020 to Jan. 9, 2021, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified 42 suspected or confirmed overdose deaths.
 
Sadly, this two-week period is the highest number of overdoses in a two-week period ever documented in King County.

After an increase in overdose deaths in late spring and summer, overdose deaths declined in the fall. 

These last two weeks mark a sharp increase — double the average number of weekly fatal overdoses throughout much of 2020.

The overdoses were geographically dispersed across King County and fall into similar age distributions often seen with drug overdoses. 

Half of decedents were between the ages of 36 and 55. In this two-week period, 45% of the fatal overdoses were among females, which is higher than usual.

More information here



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Western States Traffic Safety Coalition of 11 states initiates special New Year’s Eve safety effort

Wednesday, December 30, 2020


The Western States Traffic Safety Coalition (WSTSC) wants everyone to know that dangerous driving has no place on our roadways during the New Year’s holiday and that drunk or high drivers have nowhere to hide from the thousands of troopers and officers that will be on the roads in the eleven-state association.

The ‘Coalition’ includes the Arizona Department of Public Safety, California Highway Patrol, Colorado State Patrol, Idaho State Police, Montana Highway Patrol, Nevada Highway Patrol, Oregon State Police, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Utah Highway Patrol, Washington State Patrol, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol. 

These law enforcement agencies are committed and unified to keeping the people of their communities’ safe during this Holiday. When it comes to drunk or high driving, there is no state line or safe harbor. Violators will receive the full attention of law enforcement wherever they go.

Even during the current pandemic, state law enforcement agencies worry that some may feel New Year's Eve is the ultimate party night and engage in risky driving behavior. 

On average, 300 people die each year in the US during the days associated with New Year’s celebrations. 

Since 2007, WSP has responded to an average of 469 collisions during New Year’s celebrations each year. On average, 14 percent of those have resulted in injury. WSP makes an average of 217 DUI arrests each New Year’s holiday and on average two people die on our state highways and two more are seriously injured during New Year’s celebrations.


Last year, drunk and high driving caused one third of all national road fatalities in in the US accounting for over 10,000 entirely preventable traffic fatalities. 

Driving impaired by any substance - alcohol or drugs, whether legal or illegal - is against the law in all states. 

All law enforcement officers are trained to observe drivers’ behavior and to identify impaired drivers. Specially trained DREs (Drug Recognition Experts) identify those drivers impaired by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. Washington residents should remember that even in states where marijuana laws have changed, it is still illegal to drive under the influence of the drug.

As WSP Chief John Batiste recently stated, “We all agree that 2020 has been a tough year and we are all hopeful that 2021 will be a new year worthy of celebration. BUT we can’t start that New Year with bad decisions on the roadways."




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Shoreline police arrest two drug users in park restroom

Friday, August 14, 2020


Story and photo from King County Sheriff's Office

Parks play a vital role in the physical and mental well-being of our community. That's why the King County Sheriff’s Office is committed to keeping them safe for our residents.

On August 4, 2020 at around 1:00 PM, a Shoreline police officer, a King County Sheriff's Office contract city, conducted a routine check of Richmond Highlands Park located in the 16500 block of Fremont Avenue North. At the time, there were roughly 20 children playing in the area.

The deputy walked in to the men’s bathroom and immediately noticed two adult males sitting on the floor inside one of the bathroom stalls. The deputy noticed assorted drug paraphernalia scattered around them.

The deputy arrested both men. One had a felony warrant for DOC Escape, along with two misdemeanor warrants. The other person was arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia.

Upon searching both persons incident to arrest, it was also discovered that there were other drugs and drug paraphernalia located in both of their backpacks and pockets.

Both men were taken to SCORE Jail where they were booked on the respective charges. This kind of activity won't be tolerated in our public parks and restrooms, especially where children are playing.




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Armed burglars trip alarm at cannabis shop in North City

Monday, June 8, 2020

KushKlub in North City
Google maps

At 9pm Sunday night, June 7, 2020, Shoreline Police blocked off 15th ave NE in the business district and were searching with a K9 unit.

According to Shoreline Police Captain Tony Garza, a silent alarm from the KushKlub at 17547 15th Ave NE turned out to be an armed robbery. Two suspects, both with hand guns, fled southbound on foot.

LFP PD sent a few officers to assist and Lynnwood sent their K9 unit, but the suspects were not apprehended.

It is thought that the burglars were looking for money. This is the second burglary recently of a local cannabis shop.



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21 State troopers now trained to do blood draws on suspected DUI drivers

Monday, June 1, 2020

Graduating class of 21 WSP troopers
Photo courtesy WSP*

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) took another step in their goal to remove impaired drivers from Washington roadways. In an effort to make the DUI arrest process more efficient and reduce impacts to the healthcare system, the WSP started a pilot program where 21 troopers have been trained as licensed phlebotomists.

These troopers now have the ability to conduct legal blood draws on suspects that have been arrested for DUI, where a search warrant from a judge has been issued.

21 troopers have Phlebotomist certificates
Photo courtesy WSP*

The troopers attended an approved 50 hour course at Bates Technical College, and passed all the requirements to obtain the Department of Health (DOH) certification for Medical Assistant Phlebotomists. 

The troopers are assigned to Snohomish, Whatcom, King, Pierce and Thurston Counties.

The 21 troopers that volunteered to attend this training did so as additional duties, to help in the effort to make our roads safer. 

The WSP hopes to expand the program in the future.

Lieutenant Bruce Maier, Commander of the Impaired Driving Section stated “we are very excited to start our phlebotomy program. This is a significant accomplishment for these troopers and our agency as we look for improved ways to combat impaired driving in WA State. 

"These dedicated troopers spent many volunteer hours studying and preparing for this certification. We look forward building on the success of these troopers.”

Trooper Clarence Williams Conducting training draw
Photo courtesy WSP*
The first blood draw conducted by the newly trained troopers occurred May 6th in Tacoma. 

Trooper Williams, who had received his certification two days prior was asked to assist a fellow trooper with the blood draw of a suspect arrested for DUI.

Prior to this program, a suspect arrested for DUI where a warrant for blood is obtained would have to go to a healthcare facility to have a licensed phlebotomist or other trained person conduct the draw. 

Having troopers trained and certified will reduce this impact on hospitals and clinics, and get troopers back out on the road in a timelier manner.

*Photos were taken during training, and prior to the Stay at Home order



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Gov. Inslee signs Rep.Davis' bill removing insurance barriers to treatment for substance abuse

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Rep. Lauren Davis D-32

Friday, April 3: Governor Inslee signed HB 2642, removing health coverage barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatment services. The bill signing was covered by TVW, and can be viewed live here.

House Bill 2642 was sponsored by Rep. Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline).

The legislation prohibits health insurance plans offered to public employees, Medicaid enrollees, or those on the commercial market from requiring prior authorization for admission to residential substance use disorder treatment or withdrawal management (detox) services.

It also directs the Health Care Authority to develop an action plan to improve the transition of clients between levels of care, allowing clients to move directly from hospitalization or incarceration to treatment.

“This represents a seismic shift in our substance use disorder system of care. It is imperative that we take advantage of the window of willingness when a person in active addiction makes the courageous decision to choose treatment. If we fail to provide these individuals with access to care within that window, we may never have a second chance,” said Rep. Davis.
“Families pray for the day when their loved one in active addiction finally asks for help. Then, they’re told to wait weeks or months for an assessment, insurance pre-authorization and a bed date. People are dying of preventable overdose from a treatable brain disease because we fail to provide them access to care when they need it most. When we provide rapid access to addiction treatment, recovery happens,” she continued.

The legislation is supported by the Association of Alcoholism and Addiction Programs of Washington State and four of the state’s managed care organizations that provide health coverage for Medicaid recipients, including Amerigroup, Coordinated Care, UnitedHealthcare, and Community Health Plan of Washington.

The House and Senate health care committees heard heart-wrenching testimony from parents whose children died when they were not able to get the help they needed during their window of willingness.

View the public testimony here:
Jan 29, 2020 House Health Care and Wellness Committee
Feb 21, 2020 Senate Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health and Long Term Care Committee

The bill passed with a unanimous final House vote following unanimous passage by the state Senate. The House initially approved the legislation with a near unanimous vote of 94-4.

Rep. Davis represents the 32nd LD which includes Shoreline, NW Seattle, south Edmonds, Woodway, most of Lynnwood, a few blocks of Mountlake Terrace




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Rep. Davis bill eases admission to treatment for substance use disorder and detox services

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Rep. Lauren Davis D-32
The Washington House of Representatives gave final approval to House Bill 2642 by Rep. Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline).

The legislation prohibits health insurance plans offered to public employees, Medicaid enrollees, or those on the commercial market from requiring prior authorization for admission to residential substance use disorder treatment or withdrawal management (detox) services. 

It also directs the Health Care Authority to develop an action plan to improve the transition of clients between levels of care, allowing clients to move directly from hospitalization or incarceration to treatment.

“This represents a seismic shift in our substance use disorder system of care. It is imperative that we take advantage of the window of willingness when a person in active addiction makes the courageous decision to choose treatment. 
"If we fail to provide these individuals with access to care within that window, we may never have a second chance,” said Rep. Davis. 
“Families pray for the day when their loved one in active addiction finally asks for help. Then, they’re told to wait weeks or months for an assessment, insurance pre-authorization and a bed date. 
"People are dying of preventable overdose from a treatable brain disease because we fail to provide them access to care when they need it most. When we provide rapid access to addiction treatment, recovery happens,” she continued.

The legislation is supported by the Association of Alcoholism and Addiction Programs of Washington State and four of the state’s managed care organizations that provide health coverage for Medicaid recipients, including Amerigroup, Coordinated Care, UnitedHealthcare, and Community Health Plan of Washington.

The House and Senate health care committees heard heart-wrenching testimony from parents whose children died when they were not able to get the help they needed during their window of willingness.

View the public testimony here:
Jan 29, 2020 House Health Care and Wellness Committee
Feb 21, 2020 Senate Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health and Long Term Care Committee

The bill passed with a unanimous final House vote following unanimous passage by the state Senate. The House initially approved the legislation with a near unanimous vote of 94-4. It now heads to Governor Inslee’s desk for his approval and signature.



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KCSO: Financial consequences of a DUI

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

You know that this is often the result of DUI
but what if it's not a serious crash
Photo courtesy WSDOT

From the King County Sheriff's Office

Instead of giving you the same old line about the perils of drinking and driving, we thought we'd share the impact a single DUI could have on your life and your wallet.

The total cost of a DUI in Washington State is estimated to be upwards of $10,000. 

Of course, the cost will vary depending on whether this is a first offense, your blood alcohol level (BAC), other fines and fees assessed by law and how expensive your attorney is.

The maximum penalty for a DUI is $5,000. Additional fines are assessed in King County, around $865.

No damage from this DUI. The driver just slid
into the parking lot at the LFP police station.
Photo courtesy LFP Police

You'll have to pay lab fees, the cost of electronic home monitoring (if ordered), and the cost of an ignition interlock device (and periodic calibration fees) if ordered.

Your driver's license will be suspended, and you'll have to pay reinstatement fees. And then there's the cost of your car insurance going up.

A DUI comes with possible jail time of up to a year, and that's only if you don't hurt someone.

Hopefully this information is sobering enough to convince you to drive sober. Or, you could take just take a rideshare for less than a $100.

RCW 46.61.5055 Alcohol and drug violators—Penalty schedule



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Shoreline Schools hosts Prevention Night: Substance Abuse and Mental Health on Feb 10

Thursday, January 30, 2020



Shoreline Schools will host its annual Prevention Night on Monday, February 10, 2020 from 6:30-8:00pm at the Shoreline Center, Shoreline Room, 18560 1st Ave. NE (north end). 

This year’s event will focus on substance abuse and mental health.

Experts from King County Public Health and Ryther will present on teen substance use and mental health. Attendees will learn about, current trends, signs and symptoms that someone you know may need support and what resources are available in our community.

Light refreshments will be available.



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Friends of the Shoreline Library and the Shoreline Historical Museum present A House on Stilts

Friday, January 24, 2020



Saturday January 25, 2020 at 2:00pm 

Author Paula Becker will present her powerful memoir, A House on Stilts: Mothering in the Age of Opioid Addiction (University of Iowa Press, 2019) 
Co-Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library and the Shoreline Historical Museum

A House on Stilts tells the story of one woman's struggle to reclaim wholeness while mothering a son addicted to opioids. 

Paula Becker's son Hunter was raised in a safe nurturing home by his writer/historian mom and his physician father. He was a bright curious child. And yet, addiction found him. 

More than 2.5 million Americans are addicted to opioids, some half-million of these to heroin. For many of them -- for Hunter -- their drug addiction leads to lives of demoralization, homelessness, and constant peril. 

For parents -- for Paula -- a child's addiction upends family life, catapulting them onto a path no longer prescribed by Dr. Spock, but by Dante's Inferno. This intensely personal account of trauma and survival offers a timely exploration of a family forced to grapple with America's opioid crisis.
The opioid crisis is now a part of our local and national history, and we will be dealing with the memories and repercussions of it for a long time.

Thanks to Elliot Bay Books, copies will be available for purchase at the presentation, and the author will be available to sign them.



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