HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2023-041�GOM CO
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Agenda Bill Report
File Number: AB2023-699
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
File ID: AB2023-699 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 10/17/2023 Entered by: CHalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Public Works & Health Committee Final Action: 10/24/2023
Agenda Date: 10/24/2023 Enactment #: RES 2023-041
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: chalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
response to the fentanyl crisis
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Resolution supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
response to the fentanyl crisis
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action:
10/24/2023 Council Public Works & Health RECOMMENDED FOR
Committee APPROVAL
Aye: 3 Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Sent To:
10/24/2023 Council APPROVED
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Attachments: Proposed Resolution
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 10/25/2023
1 PROPOSED BY: ELENBAAS
2 INTRODUCTION DATE: OCTOBER 24, 2023
3
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5 RESOLUTION NO. 2023 - 041
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8 SUPPORTING THE LUMMI INDIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL'S (LIBC)
9 STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION IN RESPONSE TO THE FENTANYL CRISIS
10
11
12 WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
13 County in 2023 (91 to date) are on pace to exceed deaths last year and have markedly
14 increased every year since 2018; and
15
16 WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, community
17 members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom: Opioid
18 Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response to
19 the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
20
21 WHEREAS, on September 21, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council (LIBC) held a
22 special meeting and met with the Lummi Nation Police Department (LNPD), the Lummi Courts,
23 the Lummi Counseling Services (CARE), and Lummi Tribal Health Center (LTHC) to work
24 collaboratively to update the Lummi Nation Emergency Declaration on the Fentanyl Crisis; and
25
26 WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
27 Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
28
29 WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides LIBC with new and immediate avenues to
30 enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal, local, state, and federal
31 agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and internal and external
32 partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and safety on the Lummi
33 Reservation; and
34
35 WHEREAS, the LIBC is taking bold action to save lives, including the following:
36 - Starting the exclusion and banishment process for all drug dealers on the reservation,
37 - Mandating training to all LIBC entities on fentanyl and identifying gaps and barriers in
38 services,
39 - Having a warrant list specifically for drug dealers available to the community and
40 published somewhere so they can easily identify and notify law enforcement,
41 - Taking all actions necessary to shut down all drug houses,
42 - Directing the administration to come up with a messaging plan to the youth and a
43 plan for prevention and counseling, and
44 - Implementing DUI and drug check points,
45 as well as other efforts; and
46
47 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
48 in our county as well as state and federal supports are needed to fight the fentanyl crisis.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council recognizes the
fentanyl crisis affecting Whatcom County, the Lummi Nation, and other communities across the
country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Whatcom County Council recognizes the bold
actions of the LIBC to address the fentanyl crisis; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Whatcom County Council supports local agency and
tribal coordination q�,yyell as state and federal supports to fight the fentanyl crisis.
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day of October , 2023.
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COU`4`f d WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
HATCOM CQUNTY.IWASHINGTON
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ems
APPROVEO',AS TO FORM:
Karen Frakes (by email 10/17/2023)
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
an, Council Chair