King County Conference on Substance Use brings together local leaders to share ‘A Vision for Hope’ as drug overdoses continue to rise 

June 6, 2024

The King County Conference on Substance Use on Thursday welcomed nearly 500 attendees, in-person and virtually, for its fourth annual gathering. This year’s conference’s theme was “A Vision for Hope,” focusing on highlighting pathways and opportunities for individuals along their journey of recovery.

“The conversations that emerged from our fourth annual King County Conference on Substance Use were important, timely, and encouraging,” said King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “I am grateful to every person who contributed to these conversations. It will take all of our communities working together to reverse the rising overdose trend we are seeing in King County—but we know that recovery is always possible, and that together, we can provide more opportunities and support for those who are on their recovery journey.”

Dunn first launched the King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders in 2021 and advocated for dedicated funding for the conference in King County’s 2023-24 Biennial Budget. Dunn, who is representing the King County Council, partnered with Public Health – Seattle & King County Strategic Advisor on Behavioral Health Brad Finegood, King County Department of Community and Human Services Director Kelly Rider, and King County Recovery Coalition Director Heather Venegas to organize yesterday’s conference.

“The King County Conference on Substance Use convenes experts, community members, and regional leaders to gain a deeper understanding around the growing issues we face on the opioid epidemic,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We are acting with urgency to prevent more overdoses, get people treatment, and save lives. We must listen to those who have experienced substance use challenges, implement bold solutions, and support our dedicated behavioral health providers. Together, we can make pathways to recovery accessible.”

Conference attendees heard from a variety of local, state, and national recovery leaders including Chris Poulos, a national leader in criminal justice policy and addiction recovery; Derrick Belgarde, Executive Director of the Chief Seattle Club; Brad Finegood, strategic advisory for Public Health – Seattle & King County, and Erica Barnett, local journalist and recovery advocate speaking on topics such as Navigating Care for Low-Income Individuals; Entering the Workforce, Stories of Hope; A Future for Our Youth; and more.

Though overdose deaths have fallen by 5% nationwide, the number of deaths caused by overdose rose by 25% Washington State last year, which is the second-highest rate in the country. These overdose deaths are primarily driven by fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid drug that is 50-100 times more powerful than other opioids. In King County, there has been an 880% increase in fentanyl-related deaths since 2019, which have steadily surged year after year. In 2023, an average of 3.67 people died each day of an overdose in King County. These trends can be found on the Public Health – Seattle & King County Overdose Data Dashboard.

Anyone who is struggling with mental health or substance use disorders can get connected to treatment and resources by calling SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or the Washington State Recovery Helpline: 1-866-789-1511.

Video recordings of the conference will be released next week on King County TV.