Rick Larsen calls on congress to help with Washington’s opiod crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Rick Larsen released the following statement after the White House outlined state-by-state funding levels under President Obama's proposed FY 2017 budget to combat the opioid epidemic—including $20 million available to Washington state over two years.

June 15, 2016 1:30 am

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Rick Larsen released the following statement after the White House outlined state-by-state funding levels under President Obama’s proposed FY 2017 budget to combat the opioid epidemic—including $20 million available to Washington state over two years.

“Communities in Northwest Washington are working hard to find solutions to address the opioid epidemic, and these resources represent a much-needed down payment for the thousands of individuals and families who are suffering from the impacts of addiction. It is time for Congress to do its part by authorizing this funding to provide communities with more resources and tools to expand treatment options, stop overdoses and prevent future addiction.”

Between 2011 and 2013, nearly 20 percent of all heroin-related deaths in Washington state occurred in Snohomish County, though it represents less than 10 percent of the population.

Earlier this year Larsen led the Washington delegation in a letter to House Appropriators in support of the President’s FY 2017 plan to fight the opioid epidemic.