Dr. Amy Burns, a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction specialist, guides us through the truth about buprenorphine and methadone, their mechanisms, and the common misconceptions that hinder individuals from accessing essential addiction treatment.
Participants explored vital community resources, including:
- The science behind effective medications
- Strategies for overcoming stigma and misinformation
- Spokane’s treatment gaps and access issues
- Ways to advocate for a loved one in need of support
If you’ve ever pondered what follows after Narcan, this is where the conversation about mental health advocacy and addressing the opioid crisis begins.
In this powerful first community session, Spokane County Sheriff Wade Knowles and State Representative Lauren Davis break down Ricky’s Law, highlighting how families can leverage it as a valuable tool in addiction treatment for loved ones facing life-threatening addiction. Learn how the law works, what steps to take if someone is in danger, and discover essential community resources that are available right now for addressing fentanyl-related crises, all while advocating for improved mental health in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis.
Gabriel’s Challenge Mapping Meeting – June 3, 2025
Spokane City Council Chambers
Facilitated by Zeke Smith of Empire Health Foundation, this session featured:
Mayor Lisa Brown, proposing a $730,000 investment from the opioid settlement, emphasized, "falling through the cracks can be fatal" (Spokesman-Review, June 3, 2025). The meeting included contributions from Fire Chief Julie O’Berg, Assistant Police Chief Steve Wohl, and Deputy City Administrator Maggie Yates.
Leaders discussed the critical need for public safety, housing, and health systems to collaborate effectively in addressing the opioid crisis and enhancing community resources for addiction treatment and mental health advocacy.
The June 10 session showcased a strong lineup of presenters focused on addiction treatment and community resources: Dr. Francisco Velázquez, Spokane Regional Health Officer, opened with a regional snapshot and a call to action regarding mental health advocacy amidst the ongoing opioid crisis. Toni Lodge, Executive Director of The NATIVE Project, was featured, along with Judge Gloria Ochoa-Burke. The session also included contributions from Coordinated Care of Washington, led by the CEO and her dedicated team. The evening concluded with a Lived Experience Panel from Adult & Teen Challenge, followed by a closing message from Andrew Hill, CEO of Excelsior Wellness.
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