HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Health Board Mar 26 2024Whatcom County
Council as the Health Board
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
10 AM
Civic Center Building Conference Room / Hybrid Meeting
JOINT HEALTH BOARD/PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING -
HYBRID MEETING (PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN
INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL
360.778.5010)
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Ben Elenbaas
Kaylee Galloway
Jon Scanlon
Mark Stremler
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
Council as the Health Board
Call To Order
Roll Call
Roll call of PHAB
members.
Announcements
Meeting Agenda
March 26, 2024
Individuals who require special assistance to participate in the Council's meetings are asked to contact
the Council Office at 360.778.5010 at least 96 hours in advance. This committee meeting is also noticed
as a meeting of the Whatcom County Council, with the al4enda limited to committee business.
Meeting Materials
AB2024-009 Meeting Materials for Health Board March 26, 2024
Public comment
Health Officer/Health Director update
Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the fentanyl emergency
(AB2024-090)
2. AB2024-090 Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the fentanyl emergency
Executive Declaration of Emergency
Whatcom Community Health Insights Preview
Healthv Children's Fund briefing and discussion
Closing/Next Steps
Other Business
Adiournment
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 412112025
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING AS THE HEALTH BOARD
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Garden Level Conference Room, Civic Building, 322 N. Commercial Street
(if virtual: www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil)
AGENDA
►, ..
1.
Roll call of Health Board members. Roll call of PHAB
members.
No paper
10:0--10:05
2.
Public comment
No paper
10:05-10:15
3.
Health Officer/Health Director update
(Pages 2-20)
10:15-10:25
4.
Council Resolution re: Fentanyl (AB2024-090)
(Pages 21-29)
10:25-11:00
5.
Action Plan — Fentanyl Response
(Pages 30-31)
11:00 —11:10
6.
Whatcom Community Health Insights Preview
(Pages 32-33)
11:10 —11:25
7.
Healthy Children's Fund briefing and discussion
(Page 34-39)
11:25 —11:55
g.
Closing/Next Steps
No paper
11:55-12:00
WHATCOM COUNTY
h
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
WHATCOM COUNTY Erika Lautenbach, MPH, Director
T c;. Amy Harley, MD, MPH, Co -Health Officer
Health and Community Services Greg Thompson, MD, MPH. Co -Health Officer
Department Report March, 2024
Equity — Collaboration — Compassion — Transparency — Innovation - Service
Leadership:
Health Director work has focused on communication/outreach, legislative session,
meetings with federal legislators, and key issues including Healthy Children's Fund and
fentanyl/overdose Executive action.
Annual Report and City Council Briefings: Whatcom County Health and Community
Services published our first Annual Report in March. In conjunction with the release and
to re -open communication with local elected officials, I provided presentations to every
city council in March. Topics included department/division overview, budget, strategic
plan, 2023 accomplishments and 2024 projects/initiatives.
Legislative Advocacy: Through Washington State Association of Local Public Health
Officials (WSALPHO) and National Association of City and County Health Officials
(NACCHO), I met with state and federal legislators, respectively, to share local
priorities, challenges, and requests for support. Two of the three WSALPHO legislative
priorities passed and were signed into law by the Governor.
Priority Topics: I've worked with our staff team to move our proposed RFPs for the
Healthy Children's Fund through the county process, and partnered with Executive Staff
and stakeholders to develop a budget and recommendations for immediate action re:
fentanyl. I look forward to the Council and Executive actions and the opportunity to
move forward with a variety of new activities and initiatives.
Health Officer work has focused on the opioid crisis, communicable diseases,
behavioral health, and collaboration with community healthcare providers.
Opioids: We have continued engaging with elected officials and community partners in
addressing the opioid crisis. Within the department the Health Officers are working inter -
divisionally, particularly with RSD and CDE, around improving capacity, treatment
options, and interfaces between people who use drugs and the jail, hospital, outpatient
medical providers, Lummi Nation, and Opioid Use Disorder treatment providers. Dr.
Thompson recently attended a 2-day addiction medicine conference and is working to
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
rO9 Girard street COMMUNITY Main Line: (364) 778-6000
Bellingham, WA 98225-4005 L SERVICES www.%whatcomcounty.us/health
Page 2 of 39
connect the Swedish Hospital addiction medicine fellowship program and Whatcom
County healthcare institutions. Dr. Harley is working to improve support for pregnant
people, young families, and youth with mental health concerns. The Health Officers are
also convening meetings of medical leadership to increase collaboration and
communication between healthcare institutions in our county.
Communicable Disease: Respiratory virus guidance is evolving to better respond to
the current situation of less severe outcomes from COVID-19, and harmonize COVID
guidance with that around other respiratory infections. These efforts are balanced with
caution around the ongoing deaths and severe disease from COVID-19 illness,
particularly in those over 65 years of age. Still at the forefront is the prevention message
that vaccination continues to significantly reduce health risks from COVID-19. We are
alert to up -trending measles cases nationally this year, with a number of cases within
Washington state among unimmunized adults. We appreciate efforts by healthcare,
schools, childcare and our immunizations nurses to improve measles immunity in our
county through MMR vaccination.
Other work: We continue to engage regularly around communication and media
requests, data presentation and interpretation, collaboration with the Medical
Examiner's office, and the Whatcom Community Health Insights project.
Communicable Disease and Epidemiology (CD&E):
Public health nurses and staff within the CD&E division continue clinical service
outreach and educational events in the community.
Refugee Health: With the assistance of Dr. Amy Harley, we are working with the state
Department of Health and the federal Department of Health and Human Services to
contract with a local community health center in Whatcom County to start offering
Refugee Health Screenings. Refugees who resettle in Whatcom County must travel to
Snohomish County for Refugee Health Screenings. Offering this service locally can
reduce barriers for refugees seeking health services. Reducing barriers to healthcare
access for this population is vital for infectious disease surveillance in the community.
Vaccine Clinics: The immunization team continues to offer monthly vaccine clinics and
clinic appointments to increase access for residents with barriers. The team recently
received an expression of gratitude for their partnership with Hoagland's Pharmacy to
ensure the administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines for residents who are
insured but homebound due to disability or illness. This vulnerable population often has
high barriers to accessing care due to physical disability and high medical risk, which
Page 3 of 39
prevents them from accessing healthcare through traditional methods. From January to
February 2024, we served 54 clients and administered 134 vaccines.
Candida Auris: The Infection Prevention team, in concert with the state Department of
Health, is collaborating with the local hospital and long-term care facilities on
surveillance and infection prevention protocols for Candida Auris. Cases were recently
identified in Washington State. Candida Auris is a multi -drug -resistant fungus that can
cause severe illness and spread within healthcare facilities.
School/Childcare Support: Our Public Health Nurse and Liaison for School and
Childcare Health is collaborating with the state Department of Health on creating a tool
to help schools and childcare facilities standardize reporting of absenteeism for certain
notifiable conditions and facilitate prompt notification of clusters/outbreaks to local
health jurisdictions. The tool will help streamline data collection and reduce the reporting
burden on the public school system.
Syphilis: Syphilis cases continue to trend upward on the local and national levels. The
Sexual Health Provider Education virtual presentation series, which was organized by
CD&E, begins in March. Syphilis is the first of three presentations by expert faculty from
the University of Washington. This virtual education series will help with healthcare
providers' knowledge deficits regarding managing STDs/STIs.
Tuberculosis: The Tuberculosis Team is currently managing five active TB cases. TB
nurses often provide clinical care and case management to medically complex
individuals. The public health nurse went above and beyond duty to contact a patient's
specialty providers to prevent an adverse outcome from the client's reaction to their
cardiac medication. The same client was admitted to the hospital recently. This nurse
collaborated with the hospital case management team to advocate for this client to
receive a home health nurse at discharge.
Drug Testing: The public health nurses in the SSP/Harm Reduction Program have
started rounding with the street medicine outreach team to increase participant
engagement. Collaborating with the University of Washington and the Addiction, Drug,
& Alcohol Institute (ADAI), they have started offering a new service, which is drug
testing to help participants identify potentially harmful substances circulating in the
community. In addition, both public health nurses are participating in the Community -
Law Enforcement Aligning in Response to Substance Use (CLEARS) Project, a one-
year project to develop regional solutions to improve interactions between law
enforcement and people who use drugs.
Community and Organizational Development (COD):
Page 4 of 39
The Community and Organizational Development division facilitates collaboration
across the divisions and provides accurate, meaningful, and timely information, data,
and training. Specialty areas include data, assessment, epidemiology, informatics,
performance management, evaluation, communications, media relations, emergency
preparedness, equity and belonging work, and workforce development. A few key areas
of focus at this time are:
Equity: The newly formed HEAL (Healing -centered, Equity and Leadership) Team
launched on February 29thl This team will receive professional development in trauma -
informed care, healing -centered practices, antiracism and health equity to create
foundational learning in preparation for actionizing health equity. In late Spring, an
organizational climate and care survey will be launched to assess the strengths and
needs of WCHCS.
Performance Management: Quality Improvement (QI) Council launched March 7t"
This is a cross -divisional collaborative team that will execute the Quality Improvement
strategic priority to improve the use of data to drive decision- making, inform
improvements, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. The council will
focus on alignment and standardization of our department's quality improvement efforts,
bring new innovations to the departments' programs, and increase accountability to
leadership and our stakeholders.
Data: A new Child Wellness Survey focused on infants and children ages 6 months to
11 years is being conducted by WA DOH. Typically, the results would be available at a
state -level however, through Healthy Children's Fund, Whatcom County will survey our
county and get data specific to our community. This will allow more meaningful results
that reflect children and their families who live in the county. The survey will ask parents
of children in this age group about the health and development of their child, access to
childcare, and other topics including mental health. Whatcom County will be a model for
other smaller counties in Washington State that would like to have their own county -
specific sample.
Community Health and Human Services (CH&HS):
Retreat: CH&HS held a retreat on January 25th and nearly every staff member of the
now 30+ people in the division were able to attend and share their programs,
commitments and priorities for 2024. This year the focus is on intentional programming
and commitments in our work, to make sustainable long-term impacts. The retreat also
created space for several of our program teams to connect and find ways to collaborate.
Page 5 of 39
The Veterans Program and the Child and Family team met shortly after the retreat and
are now working on ways to support childcare needs for veteran households.
Severe Weather Shelter: The Severe Weather Shelter has officially closed for the
season, as of March 15th. Over the 20 nights that it was open, over 197 unique guests
were served. The shelter was staffed using a pool of 11 temporary staff and 22
permanent Health & Community Services employees. In partnership with the Response
Systems Division, over 730 hours of training were completed for the individuals who
worked or volunteered for the operation. It was a very large lift, and involved staff across
the department, but with 947 utilizations by guests over those 20 nights and 5 days,
many of our vulnerable neighbors kept warm during some life -threatening temperatures.
Youth RFPs: Supporting youth is very much a focus across several of our programs
right now. It is really exciting to have three different Requests for Proposals (RFP) open
to the community with a youth focus. We are seeking proposals ranging from homeless
prevention strategies for families with children 0-5 (closes 3/12), Outreach work focused
on preventing youth from using opioids (closes 4/2) and an opportunity to support
families seeking services and referrals for their children with healthcare needs (closes
4/2). Each of these is an opportunity to prevent further harm or trauma for many of the
youth in the community, and it is exciting to be one step closer to getting programs to
the people and places they are needed most.
Healthy Children's Fund: Over the last month, the Children and Family Programs
have released a Housing Stability RFP, solicited proposals from Doulas to serve
Medicaid eligible pregnant parents and finalized a Basic Needs RFP that will be
released in early April for families with Children 0-5. All funded through the Healthy
Children's Fund. The Child and Family Well Being Task Force will be hosting its first
annual retreat on March 29th, with focus on building a work plan and connection
amongst the group moving into the new year.
Opioids/Behavioral Health: Our Prevention staff continue to support the work of the All
Hands team, and so far in 2024, there have been four successful events. The staff are
also excited as they are just beginning the scoring of the proposals from a recently
closed RFP seeking providers able to offer school based teletherapy in Whatcom
County. This will mean added capacity for youth mental health services in our schools.
Environmental Health (EH):
EH programs focus on protecting groups of people from threats to their health and
safety posed by their environments. EH programs include various sanitation areas such
as food safety, drinking water, on -site sewage and solid waste.
Page 6 of 39
New Leadership: With the recent promotion of an environmental health specialist into a
supervisor position within the division, there has been a shift and reorganization of
programmatic responsibilities. This expansion in leadership will allow for more support
in programs including food safety, living environment, school safety and solid waste.
Smoke and Heat Response: Using Foundational Public Health Services funding, EH is
building a program to support frontline communities during wildfire smoke and extreme
heat events. Several public education events, including at senior centers around the
county, and focused conversations are scheduled in April 2024. This qualitative
assessment will inform the recommendations of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment,
which will be completed June 30, 2024.
Coordinated Water System Plan: The division is leading the Coordinated Water
System Plan update to dovetail with the County's larger Comprehensive Plan update.
Changes and updates to the plan intend to address complex issues such as the impact
of climate change on water systems.
Financial Services:
The Financial & Administrative Services division supports the department by
coordinating financial services such as contract processing, payment processing, grant
billing, payroll processing and other various audit functions.
New Manager: The new Financial Services Manager started February 26' and this
position will coordinate and oversee the daily departmental financial and accounting
activities.
Year End: The Business Office has wrapped up the 2023 financial year end process.
This process included creating grant accountability worksheets for the 33 Federal
Grants ($2.8M) and 51 State Grants ($15.7M) that were reviewed and reconciled.
Contracts: Our Contracts Coordinator is successfully managing 129 active contracts
and 15 Letter of Agreements (LOA's) to help support the $34.2M the department has
budgeted to contractual services in 2024.
Response Systems:
The Response Systems Division (RSD) programs aim to address the needs of individuals
lacking adequate care for behavioral health challenges and basic needs within our
community. These programs seek to alleviate the reliance on emergency services such
Page 7 of 39
as 911, crisis interventions, and the legal system. By implementing innovative approaches
like the Alternative Response Team (ART), Ground -Level Response and Coordinated
Engagement (GRACE) program, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone
Advance with Dignity (LEAD) program, Co -Responder program, Mental Health Court and
Street Medicine Team, we strive to provide comprehensive support to individuals in need
while also enhancing the efficiency of our emergency response and care coordination
systems.
A few program highlights include:
ART: The Alternative Response Team (ART) is fully staffed as of March 4th. ART
continues to respond to 911 calls in lieu of law enforcement when appropriate. In
addition to the ART response team, RSD was able to hire a Behavioral Health Aide who
support ART and community providers with transportation needs. In March, RSD will
report back to County and City of Bellingham councils on how the first year of ART has
gone, what we have learned and where we hope to go.
Co -Response: In partnership with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, the Co -
Responder program is in full swing. With two highly trained and skilled Behavioral
Health (BH) specialists, the team is able to respond with deputies to calls for service
that have a BH concern. Co -Responders are able to bring services and support to
community members in the moment, provide some follow-up and free up deputies to be
available for other calls.
Similar to ART, we are working with a 3rd party evaluator in the pilot year of Co -
Response to assist our community in understanding the need for a Co -Responder
program, areas of growth and data analysis.
In April, staff members from the Co -Responder and GRACE programs will attend the
2nd annual Co -Responder Outreach Alliance of WA conference. This will be an
opportunity to meet with co -responder programs from across WA state.
Page 8 of 39
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WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
fi COMMUNITY
SERVICES
Ann I
Report
Page 9 of 39
A Letter Frcrn
The Dlrectc.4 r
We live in a different world than five years ago. While many of the most significant impacts of COVID-19 are behind us, new
threats to our health and community have emerged, or become more pronounced. Fentanyl has devastated families, and
in Whatcom County, there has been a nearly 50% increase in overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023. Mental illness, while a
long-term priority, has now reached a crisis level for families, schools and our young people. Key drivers of homelessness
- affordability and accessibility - are worse, while services for the chronically homeless are not keeping pace with the
growing numbers of people living unsheltered. Access to affordable childcare, food, and other basic needs has declined
due to inflation and other economic drivers. The increase in severe weather events and temperatures we're experiencing
are impacting our homes and way of life.
Life has changed for you in these last five years — and it's changed for us, as well. Our department, which serves every
geographic corner of the county in cities and unincorporated communities alike, is a different organization in so many
ways. Coming out of the COVID-19 crisis response, we have been able to utilize our growing number of staff to expand
public health work in our County. Two years ago, we created the Response Systems Division, which brought our crisis
outreach and intensive case management programs in-house. Last year, we launched our new five-year strategic plan
and changed our name to Whatcom County Health and Community Services. Nearly half of our staff now work in human
services or behavioral health, and this change honors the complexity and diversity of our work and commitment to our
community. Through state and federal grants, we've expanded programs in nearly every division in our department. We're
implementing the goals of the Healthy Children's Fund, passed in 2022, and beginning work on designing the behavioral
health components of the Public Health, Safety, and Justice ballot measure passed in 2023. While our team, and budget,
are nearly double what they were just five years ago, only 6% of our revenue comes from the county's general fund. We are
proud to have built programs and services that have gained the trust and financial commitment of outside funders.
Today, the public health system is more visible than it has ever been before. We recognize that for some in our community,
it may be hard to trust government agencies due to both historical traumas and recent challenges. The best way that we
can grow that trust is to earn it. We intend to do that every day by providing timely services with the customer service you
expect, while tackling the important issues that matter to Whatcom County. If we have learned anything in the last several
years, it's that nothing important can be accomplished without the support and collaboration of our partners and our
community. I invite you to move forward with us into a new era for Whatcom County Health and Community Services. We
look forward to working with you, and for you.
In Community,
Erika Lautenbach, MPH
Director, Whatcom County Health and Community Services
Page 10 of 39
page 2 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
. Purpc:tse, Pricritles, Values
ADVANCING EQUITY = PARTNERING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
•
Community
Partnerships &
Engagement
Partner col la boratively to
find community -base
solutions that advanc
health and health equity.
P �00- pRFs�,
0 0
'C W
APOVIDE
Organizational
Inf rastructure
Effectively manage
finances, resources, and
staffing to support a
culture of ethical practice
decision -making and
governance.
•
Workforce
Development
Build and support a
diverse, skilled health anc
human services work-
force while ensuring an
organizational culture
and work environment
that is supportive of staff.
Quality
Management
Use program data to
drive decision -making,
inform ongoing improve-
ments and foster a
culture of transparency
and accountability.
• ConaVorarlon • Compassion • Transparency • Innovation • Service
What We Dre�
The Communicable
Disease and
Epidemiology division
works to stop the spread
of disease. They work to
prevent and investigate
infectious diseases,
provide screenings and
clinical/community
support referrals, and
provide vaccinations and
harm reduction services.
They work to prevent and
control the spread of
communicable diseases
like tuberculosis,
measles, COVID-19,
RSV, influenza, hepatitis
C, HIV, syphilis, MRSA,
and many more.
Programs include:
• Immunizations
• Tuberculosis
• Syringe Services
Program
• Communicable Disease
• Sexual Health
The Community and
Organizational
Development division
provides services that
cross -cut and connect all
divisions within the
department. They help
the department to carry
out its priorities and
projects more effectively
and implement WCHCS's
2023-2027 Strategic
Plan.
Programs include:
• Health Information &
Assessment
• Epidemiology
• Assessment &
Evaluation
• Data & Informatics
• Partnerships & Strategy
• Communications
• Emergency
Preparedness &
Resiliency
• Equity
• Policy
• Workforce Development
The Community
Health & Human
Services division
promotes health and
well-being for everyone
in our community. They
aim to reduce health
disparities and
encourage healthy
behaviors. They offer
services in areas such as
housing, food and
nutrition, and substance
use prevention, as well
as support for children
and families, veterans,
and people with
disabilities.
Programs include:
• Nurse -Family
Partnership
• Food Systems
• Homeless Housing
• Developmental
Disabilities
• Veterans
• Substance use
prevention
• Children with Special
Health Care Needs
• Childcare and Early
Learning
• LatinX Outreach
page 4 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
The Environmental
Health division works to
promote a healthy and
safe environment. They
focus on disease and
injury prevention and
adherence to
environmental health
mandates and
requirements. They
monitor drinking and
recreational water
quality; conduct
restaurant inspections
and monitor food recalls
in order to prevent
foodborne illnesses;
prevent exposure to
hazards like lead,
asbestos, or mold in
homes or school
environments, and much
more.
Programs include:
• Solid Waste
• Food Safety
• School Health & Safety
• Living Environment
• On -site Septic
• Drinking Water
• Climate Change
Response
The Financial and
Administrative
Services division
makes sure services run
smoothly. They provide
customer service to
community members in
accessing information
and resources. They
manage vital records like
birth and death
certificates, permits, and
other health -related
public records. They also
oversee the department
budget, grants and
contracts, and financial
services.
Programs include:
• Community customer
services including vital
records, permitting, and
complaints
• Financial Services and
Contracts
• Internal administrative
services
The Response
Systems division
provides intensive case
management services to
vulnerable community
members. They work
closely with first
responders, healthcare
providers, social
services, and the legal
system to coordinate
services for their clients
and reduce utilization of
emergency services and
incarceration.
Programs include:
• Ground -Level Response
and Coordinated
Engagement (GRACE)
• Law Enforcement
Assisted Diversion
(LEAD)
• Alternative Response
Team (ART)
• Mental Health Court
• Co -Responder program
with Behavioral Health
Sheriff Deputies
• Behavioral health
contracts and
coordination
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report page 5
YAL7 : FF
Behavioral Health Funds
Improve Outcomes for Our
Kids
All seven school districts in Whatcom County provided
behavioral health services in the previous and current school
years using Behavioral Health Funds administered through our
department. All Whatcom County kids benefit from this, with
57% of people served outside Bellingham.
The funds go towards substance use prevention professionals
and programs, mental and behavioral health practitioners,
coordination of community services, and outreach.
Reducing risk in these areas also impacts other `life indicators,'
such as improving school performance and a child's interactions
with family and community.
These services demonstrate:
• Cost savings to the community.
• Improved behavioral health outcomes.
• Referrals and connections to treatment for mental health,
substance use, or both.
• Leveraged resources.
Cost -benefit estimates show that effective school -based
programs can save $18 for every $1 spent.
Wiser Lake: Our year -long data collection effort will
help understand & mitigate harmful algae blooms.
Improving the Health of Wiser
La ke
For the last two years we've been studying the consistent
presence of harmful algae blooms (HABs) at Wiser Lake.
Through a grant from the Washington State Department of
Health, we worked with local groups to collect 12 months of
data - the first step in discovering the cause of HABs.
An additional grant from the Department of Ecology will start in
July and fund analysis of the data we are currently collecting.
Then, we can develop a set of recommendations based on the
results.
For updates on this project, or to sign up for notifications via
email or text, visit https://www.whatcomcounty.us/wiser.
Whatcom County Made Historic Childcare Investments
Last May, Whatcom County awarded $5.8 million in federal
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to create 277 new
early learning slots and preserve 84 existing slots, including
investments in Ferndale, Bellingham, and the Meridian School
District. Awardees include:
• Whatcom Family YMCA Barkley
• Western Washington University's Child Development Center
• Opportunity Council Bellis Project
• Gabriel's Art Kids, Ferndale
• Meridian School District
The County also awarded a $750,000 grant to the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Whatcom County to mitigate financial impacts from the
COVID-19 pandemic after its March 2020 acquisition of Kids'
World.
In addition, with ARPA funding from Whatcom County and the
City of Bellingham, Opportunity Council's Center for Retention
and Expansion of Childcare (C-RECC) has awarded grants to
over 32 local childcare providers, ranging from $10,000 to
$100,000 per provider. With these grants, providers have been
able to raise wages, meet urgent maintenance needs, purchase
supplies, and create enriched early learning environments with
high -quality curriculum and services.
Further funding from Whatcom County has supported
emergency childcare vouchers for families, business leadership
and technical assistance, and professional development
scholarships for childcare workers.
Page 14 of 39
page 6 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Innovative New Program Provides Alternative to Law
Enforcement for 911 Calls
Last year WCHCS launched Whatcom County's Alternative to respond to the most serious 911 calls. From July through
Response Team (ART), a program that sends behavioral health December 2023, 830 calls to 911 were dispatched directly to
specialists to respond to specific non-violent behavioral health ART. Less than one percent of those calls needed to be referred
911 calls in Bellingham, instead of law enforcement. to law enforcement for back-up support.
ART works to de-escalate tense situations and engage someone
experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Feedback from law
enforcement and other community partners is that most ART
calls have been resolved without additional backup from law
enforcement, and thus freeing up Bellingham Police Officers
Taking Action to Address
the Opioid Crisis in Our
Community
Responding to the opioid crisis in our community continues
to be a WCHCS top priority. Every division at WCHCS is
working to address the opioid crisis by supporting children,
youth, and families facing addiction; preventing overdose
deaths by distributing Naloxone and training community
members on how to use it; working on the street directly with
clients with addiction issues to connect them to housing,
medical care, and other essential services; operating the
Syringe Services Program; providing training and education
regarding fentanyl and other opioids; working to increase
access to treatment and recovery options; advocating
for system -wide improvements; and leading county -wide
prevention coalitions.
In June, the department launched the website
whatcomoverdoseprevention.org, where individuals and
groups can request free Naloxone kits and find information,
resources, and up-to-date local data on the opioid crisis.
In August, WCHCS formed the County -wide Multi -Agency
Coordination (MAC) Group formed to coordinate response
efforts. The MAC group is made up of 70+ organizations and
agencies focused on substance use disorder prevention,
treatment, intervention, and recovery; members include
leaders in healthcare, social services, housing, law
enforcement, courts, EMS, libraries, schools, and tribal
health.
2023 By The Numbers:
For more information, visit the ART webpage at
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/RSD.
(Left to Right) WCHCS Co -Health Officer Dr. Greg
Thompson, Whatcom County EMS Specialist
Steven Cohen and WCHCS Supervisor Lela Riherd
providing information and training at a Sehome
High School community event.
Communicable Disease & Epidemiology
• 734 vaccine outreach events were held - •
i served over 500 clients, more than 7,000
invaccines were administered
• 300 scheduled clinical visits completed
Page 15 of 39
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Provided approximately 725 syringe
services program/harm reduction clinics
and trainings for community partners
page 7
Partnership With Ferndale
Community Services
Supports County Severe
Weather Shelter
Ferndale
• • Community
Services
Serving North Whatcom County
WCHCS manages the county's contract to provide up to
$75,450 to Ferndale Community Services, funded by the
federal American Rescue Plan Act. This local nonprofit
operates the only Whatcom County shelter outside the
city limits of Bellingham. The group's typical service area
includes Ferndale, Custer, Blaine, Birch Bay, Lynden, and
the surrounding unincorporated county areas. This shelter
can accept up to 15 guests and provides shower and laundry
facilities, along with a warm place to sleep during extremely
cold weather.
In addition to the severe weather shelter, Ferndale Community
Services provides year-round support to community members
in need through:
• A Community Resource Center with clothing and
household items
• The Other Bank providing hygiene supplies
• The Utility Fund for help with City of Ferndale water and
sewer bills
• Computer and phone usage
• Housing and job search assistance
• Transportation services
• Shower and laundry referrals
Learn more at https://ferndalecs.org/
2023 By The Numbers:
Environmental Health
Partnership with Local
Veterans Clinic Enhances,
Expands Veterans Services
WCHCS has supported military veterans in Whatcom County
with resource referrals and financial assistance for over a
decade with a single staff member. In 2023, the department
added a second veterans specialist position whose office is
located at the Bellingham's Vet Center.
The Bellingham Vet Center is a one -stop -shop for qualifying
veterans seeking mental health counseling, veteran resources,
and disability benefits/claims processing. Having county
staff co -located in the same building has strengthened the
partnership with Bellingham -based VA employees, maintained
open communication with other veteran service providers, and
increased collaboration with outreach opportunities, in order
to better support veterans in our community. Many Whatcom
County vets served in Vietnam, and many live in rural parts
of the County with limited transportation options. Having two
locations where they can get services (as well as the ability to
connect over email, phone, or text) has helped make services
much more accessible. In 2023, WCHCS staff submitted 1,132
claims on behalf of Whatcom County veterans.
The two veterans staff members at WCHCS have been able to
complement each other's work and support veterans in new
ways, such as presenting to elected officials to educate them
on veterans' needs, providing clinics for Border Patrol staff who
are military veterans, and meet people `where they're at' in
their workplaces. Both staff are veterans, which allows them to
better connect and understand the services and agencies they
work with on bethalf of other veterans.
• Tracked over29,000 onsite sewage
Supported at least 830 individual water systems
connections • Trained 874 homeowners to maintain
Increased access to sewage disposal for their onsite sewage system
over 300 properties
Page 16 of 39
page 8
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Congratulations to our
Partner, Sustainable
Connections, on 1 Million
Pounds in the Food Recovery
Program
The WCHCS Solid Waste Program provides local nonprofit
Sustainable Connections with $30,000 annually to support the
Food Recovery Program (FRP). This program aims to reduce
food insecurity, divert edible items that would otherwise go into
landfills, and address climate change by redistributing surplus,
nutritious food from local businesses to neighbors experiencing
hunger, rather than sending that food to the landfill.
The program started in 2019 and reached the one million pound
mark in 2023. The FRP is also the umbrella program for the
"Freedge", a refrigerated food pantry located at the RE Store in
Bellingham.
In their 2022-23 annual report, Sustainable Connections
reported that:
• 16 new businesses were recruited to the FRP
• 10 new businesses were consulted in how to to divert their
inedible food to compost instead of landfills
• 3 local events were supported in diverting food and
organics from the landfill.
For more information on the Food Recovery Program, visit
https:Hsustainableconnections.org/tag/foodrecoveryprogram/
Sustainable
Connections
(COMMUN17Y BRIDGE)
® .�
®PEN TODAY
2023 By The Numbers:
Nurse Family Partnership
• 89 families served
• 25 babies born
• 750 home visits and
250 telehealth visits
We held two free drop-off tire recycling events in
2023. We collected an estimated 72,500 tires across
755 loads - several thousand more than in past
years. These events were made possible by funding
from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
....................... y
Care*Van
Caravana de Salud
Care -A -Van Clinics Offer
Free Vaccine Clinics to
Underserved Communities
Care -a -Van Mobile Health Clinics are a partnership between
WCHCS and the State Department of Health to increase access
to health services in rural Whatcom County. Care -A -Van also
partners with tribal nations, elder care facilities, and Western
Washington University to offer free vaccines to people without
health insurance.
In 2023 WCHCS and Care -A -Van co -hosted 13 vaccine clinics
through this program, offering free vaccines for COVID-19, flu,
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Mpox, and routine childhood
vaccines.
2023 Naloxone Distribution
11,824 Naloxone doses distributed in
Whatcom County
Page 17 of 39
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report page 9
Leadership
Erika Lautenbach, Department Director
Dr. Amy Harley, Co -Health Officer
Dr. Greg Thompson, Co -Health Officer
Management
Ann Beck, Community Health & Human
Services
Lynnette Bennett, Community &
Organizational Development
Malora Christensen, Response Systems
Sabrina Houck, Financial Services
Shamika Brooks, Communicable Disease
& Epidemiology
Sue Sullivan, Environmental Health
Advisory Groups
Public Health Advisnry Bnard
Sterling Chick, Chair
Emily O'Connor, Vice Chair
Behavinral Health Advisnry Cnmmittee
Nicholas Evans, Chair
Child & Family Wellbeing Taskfnrce
Christina Jackson, Co -Chair
Ray Deck, Co -Chair
Developmental Disabilities Advisnry
Bnard
Raegen Miller, Co -Chair
Lindsay Foreman -Murray, Co -Chair
Fnnd Systems Cnmmittee
Riley Sweeney, Chair
Margaret Gerard, Vice Chair
Solid Waste Advisnry Cnmmittee
Rodd Pemble, Chair
Brandi Hutton, Co -Chair
Solid Waste Executive Cnmmittee
F Satpal Sidhu, Chair
Veterans Advisnry Bnard
Lynne Graham, Co -Chair
Andrea Vance, Co -Chair
Whatcnm Cnunty Hnusing Advisnry
Cnmmittee
Dan Dunne, Chair
Ashley Thomasson, Vice Chair
Healthy Whatcnm (Community Health
Improvement)
► Financials
•
4.5%
501
7%
8%
39%
35.5%
8%
7%
5%
4.5%
7%
'A`
35.5%
Way Station
Along with our partners, we look forward to opening the doors of
the Way Station this fall. The Way Station, located at 1500 State
Street in Bellingham, will offer respite beds for individuals exiting
the hospital, hygiene services, medical and behavioral health
care and connections, as well as case management and referral
services. These services will be provided by PeaceHealth,
Opportunity Council, and Unity Care NW. The second floor will
co -locate Whatcom County EMS and WCHCS teams including
syringe services, GRACE and LEAD.
Concept illustration of the State Street Way
Station Facility.
Climate Vulnerability
Assessment
Our Environmental Health division is conducting a Climate
Vulnerability Assessment, with plans to release a final report
in Summer 2024. The Climate Vulnerability Assessment, is
specifically focused on extreme heat and wildfire smoke impacts
on the health of residents of Whatcom County. The assessment
will include stakeholder feedback, smoke/heat data analysis,
and results of focus groups with frontline communities on needs
and gaps.
2023 By The Numbers:
Healthy Children's Fund
We expect to release a wide range of Requests for Proposals
(RFPs) to identify service providers who will receive funding
to support the two overarching goals of the Healthy Children's
Fund, passed by voters in 2022: 1) Increase access and
affordability of early learning and care and 2) Provide support
for vulnerable children and families. Selected providers
will make progress on these goals by increasing childcare
slots, providing systems of support for families ranging from
prenatal services to early intervention, as well as addressing
developmental delays, housing concerns, and meeting basic
needs to stabilize families.
Fentanyl response
In 2024, our department will dedicate significant resources
to addressing the fentanyl crisis in our community, including
utilization of opioid settlement funding to provide trainings
and public education about fentanyl, identifying additional
intervention and treatment options for people struggling with
opioid use disorder, and continued coordination with partners
to ensure the most effective delivery of existing and future
services.
Public Health Nurse Sarah Best demonstrates how
to administer Narcon on Overdose Awareness Day
in August 2023.
Financial and Administrative Services
• 8,060 Death Certificates issued ($189,88S • Answered over 9,000 phone calls from
in revenue) the public in 2023.
• 3,99S Birth Certificates issued ($99,87S in • Processed 326 public records requests
revenue)
Page 19 of 39
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
page 11
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND Alk
j� COMMUNITY KIMM
SERVICES
509 Girard Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-778-6000
Fax: 360-778-6001
www.whatcomcounty.us/Health
Front Cover Photo: Randy Rydel, Whatcom County Public Works Department
Rear Cover Photo: Vincent Alvarez, Whatcom County Information Technology Department
- _ qg-e-2S-of3-9
+C'r,OM CO
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
AGENDA ITEM #4: Resolution Declaring the Fentanyl Crisis an Emergency in
Whatcom County and Identifying Approaches to the
Emergency
PRESENTERS: Barry Buchanan and Ben Elenbaas; Co-sponsors of the
resolution
BOARD ACTION: Q Action Item ❑ Discussion ❑ FYI -Only
On February 6, Councilmembers Elenbaas and Buchanan introduced a resolution that would declare the fentanyl
crisis an emergency. This was an additional step following 7-0 passage by Council of resolutions requesting the
President and Governor declare declarations of emergency.
While the declaration was discussed in the Committee of the Whole on February 6, no action was taken, as the
Council wished to talk with stakeholders including relevant county staff and elected officials and outside boards,
commissions, and task forces. Councilmembers met with a variety of stakeholders and used that feedback to create
a new draft.
On March 7, Councilmember Buchanan joined the PHAB meeting to discuss the resolution and gather feedback from
members. A number of PHAB members provided comments and suggestions at the meeting as well as in writing the
following week.
Council co-sponsors have indicated they would like to take a final vote as the Health Board at this meeting. PHAB
members may also choose to take an advisory vote on the resolution.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
Certain populations, including residents who are unsheltered and those with pre-existing behavioral health,
substance use disorder, or history of trauma, are at risk of developing opioid use disorder. Supporting
these populations will impact those most vulnerable to overdose death or poor health outcomes.
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
Pit,
Page 21 of 39SERVICES
Take a final vote on the Resolution.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Resolution AB2024-xxx
Page 22 of 39
flitWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
RESOLUTION NO.
!BENT-IFYI G r+ECLARING THE FENTANYL CRISIS AN EMERGENCY IN WHATCOM
COUNTY
AND IDENTIFYING APPROACHES
TO THE FENT NNI EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
County in 2023 (132) exceeded deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every year
since 2018; and
WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
more potent than heroin; and
WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, our community's approach to fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes must
be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
WHEREAS, the use of fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, businesses,
community members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom:
Opioid Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response
to the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi -
Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
Page 23 of 39
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
in Whatcom County; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
1. Prevent opioid misuse,
2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
evaluate interventions,
5. Support individuals in recovery; and
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
041 supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
Page 24 of 39
WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council adopted the Whatcom County
Justice Project Implementation Plan (Ord. 2023-039), which identifies priority projects vetted by
the community and categorized in five key strategy areas:
I. Ensure Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency
II. Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services
III. Build Facilities Needed to Promote Public Health, Safety, and Justice
IV. Expand the Capacity of Programs to Reduce Incarceration/Re-incarceration
V. Make Systems Changes with Local, Regional, State, and Federal Partners; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
Governor of the State of Washington declare a statewide emergency to address the fentanyl
crisis; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, community leaders, agency staff, and other stakeholders convened in early
2024 to informally discuss near term solutions to address the fentanyl crisis in our community;
and
WHEREAS, Bellingham Mayor Kimberley Lund issued Executive Order 2024-01 on February
20, 2024 to address the fentanyl crisis in Downtown Bellingham; anJW
WHEREAS, this resolution details near term approaches, which are not intended to
replace the long-term approaches detailed in more comprehensive county policy documents.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
communities; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends the following near -term approaches to address the fentanyl crisis:
Government Coordination:
1. Advocate for the declaration of emergencies at state and federal levels, thereby
opening up additional resources to address the crisis.
2. Unite national efforts by encouraging other localgetting as n9any jurisdictions -as
pessible to approve a resolution -to requesting an emergency be declared at the state
and federal levels.
3. Encourage Executive Sidhu to release a County Emergency Declaration or Executive
Order that detailsifrg specific action items and funding
options to intensif r� , one time reserve funds) to jun9p
Page 25 of 39
start efforts,, in alignment wither Opioid Task Force and MAC group
recommendations.
4. Develop a budget and plan to address staffing shortages, positions needed in order to
implement an Emergency Declaration or Executive Order, and action steps requiring
funding.
S-;—may-
fr5. Using whatcomoverdoseprevention.org website and Council Committee of the
Whole, provide regular updates to the public on progress of action steps, outcomes of
efforts, and funds expended on initiatives.
Accountability and Data Collection :
6Advocate for a -legislative changes that strengthen laws regarding children's exposure
to fentanyl, Ricky's law, and other related measures. fi)( feF the legal inability te issue
4 7. Enhance legal methods to address fenta nyl -related crimes, distinguish fentan ll
related crimes from other drug crimes, and offer treatment and recovery options in lieu
of lengthy sentences when appropriate.
ehmid
--.—Request that Sheriff and local police to track data on utilization of Medication Assisted
Treatment (MAT) in jail and what arrests do not end inwhe us net geing te jail time
because of booking restrictions.
� • Y[�� \�1�1 I��l�ll��� J`��l �i� 1►1R►���1: � Ill��i1
6--.9. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable; interrupt overdose cycle and connect
individuals to treatment and services; and.
-- - -- ---- - -- -- - - - - -- - -
--- -- -- ---- -- - --- -- - -- - --
-- -- - - -- - -- -- - -- -- --- -
- - :1•wiio-r�:��w �uuuu�w:�� �•i�:. - - - - - - - - -
- - - �� - - - - - - Il�iilJ!T-7 - - - • - - r
IVA
FA
Page 26 of 39
11
• 11
•
M
WE
■ I � 1/
Mill
1
Rieky's Law.
y^ '}
veluntaFy tFeatn9ent whole waiting for sentencing, PFeVide access to tFeatn9ent ins
he Ja"'
juveniles,
26. Fund hiring and lengevity ineentives (benHses) f8F eeFreetmenal deputies On eFdeF te fill
staffing vacancies in the jai' facility.
MAMAS
W
1.00
.
NaFEetie
Aleehelies
., / / /
eeunseling)
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends thi—_ Whatcom County Elected officials such as the Executive, Prosecutor, and Sheriff,
consider items in Exhibit A for One'usmen inExeeutmv, 4Fd-... �- future action; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
respectfully requests that the Executive, Sheriff, local municipalities, and other community
partners consider their roles and take action to move forward the aforementioned near -term
approaches to address the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this day of , 2024.
Page 27 of 39
ATTEST:
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair
Page 28 of 39
EXHIBIT A
During stakeholder meetings to refine and develop the Council's resolution, members heard the
following suggestions, ideas, and requests for action.
Council requests that the Executive consider these exhibit items for potential inclusion in an
Executive Declaration of Emergency or Order.
1. Fund and employ narcotics -detection dogs to keep drugs out of the jail.
2. Expand the ability to use test strips beyond Health and Community Services to law
enforcement and first responders.
3. Provide additional training on common and emerging illicit drugs to police for improved
response and identification of fentanyl and other drugs.
4. Identify potential modifications to booking restrictions in the jail and develop
operational plans to address inmate increases.
5. Encourage using Strict Legal measures to address maior crimes and offenses related to
fentanyl, for distribution.
6. Provide more opportunities for youth diversion, especially for people ages 18-25 years
old.
7. Evaluate alternative court programs for higher utilization and capacity.
8. Identify options and funding sources to provide more lower cost housing and creative
housing solutions.
9. Fund and launch a multi -jurisdictional, multi -language public education program,
including youth public education.
10. Consider the benefits and potential local applications of the Icelandic Model, a
community -based approach to substance use that decreases the likelihood of
adolescent substance use by strengthening the supportive role of parents and schools
and the network of opportunities around them.
11. Provide training for healthcare providers and first responders on the benefits of and
how to administer Medication -assisted treatment.
12. Increase funding for treatment programs to increase availability of detox beds,, provide
voluntary treatment while waiting for sentencing, provide access to treatment in lieu of
sentencing.
13. Provide additional resources for recovery court, including a secure facility other than
the jail.
14. Ensure services are available for juveniles, not just adults.
15. Ensure medically assisted treatment (MAT) offerings inside the jail match community -
based options.
16. Provide support and training for first responders and behavioral health staff dealing
with trauma and burnout related to overdose responses.
17. Create and implement an overdose response team.
18. Support efforts by Lummi Nation to build a Secure Withdrawal Management and
Stabilization (SWMS) facility.
19. Analyze options for expanding the Alternative Response Team, including providing 24-
hour responses.
20. Provide programs in the jail (e.g., Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, GED,
counseling)
Page 29 of 39
AGENDA ITEM #5
PRESENTERS:
BOARD ACTION:
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
Action Plan — Fentanyl Response
Executive's office
❑ Action Item Q Discussion
❑ FYI - Only
While Whatcom County government has taken many steps to address opioids locally, the urgency of the
issue requires new strategies, both new and re -prioritized funding, and more immediate action across the
prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare/recovery continuum.
The Executive appreciates Council's leadership in bringing the urgency of the fentanyl crisis further into the
public sphere, enhancing coordination amongst different branches and levels of government, and engaging
in thoughtful work with stakeholders.
We want to be responsive to any Health Board action and are working with Health & Community Services,
the Sheriff's OfficelDEM, and EMS on assembling a set of actions that can be implemented quickly for
maximum impact, consistent with recommendations from the MAC group and the Whatcom County Justice
Project Implementation Plan.
This is an opportunity to discuss at a high-level the types of actions the community can expect to see.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
Certain populations, including residents who are unsheltered and those with pre-existing behavioral health,
substance use disorder, or history of trauma, are at risk of developing opioid use disorder. Supporting
these populations will impact those most vulnerable to overdose death or poor health outcomes.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
Provide high level feedback on concept or actions.
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
niiL COMMUNITY
Page 30 of 39 SERVICES
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
Page 31 of 39
flitWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
AGENDA ITEM #6: Whatcom Community Health Insights
PRESENTERS: Amy Hockenberry, Health Information and Assessment
Supervisor and Dr. Chris Laugen, Epidemiologist, Whatcom
County Health and Community Services
BOARD ACTION: ❑ Action Item ❑ Discussion Q FYI - Only
The Whatcom Community Health Insights (WCHI) is a web -based platform to share local data, trends, and
comparisons with Washington State and National averages. It will include stratification by subpopulations
when possible and will provide links to relevant resources and community partners working to address the
issue.
The purpose of the WCHI is to:
• Provide meaningful & easily accessible population health data for Whatcom County;
• Give community partners, elected officials, and other community groups easy access to current
data on an ongoing basis;
• Help inform partners' planning, decision -making, grant applications, etc.; and
• Increase transparency in sharing public health data.
Staff will provide an overview and a preview of the tool, which will be released in early April.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
The WCHI will both stratify subpopulations by race/ethnicity, age, geography, etc., when possible, it will
also highlight disparities among populations to advance equity and prompt community action.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
None.
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
njiL COMMUNITY
Page 32 of 39 SERVICES
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
Page 33 of 39
flitWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
AGENDA ITEM #7
PRESENTERS:
BOARD ACTION:
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
Healthy Children's Fund update
Erika Lautenbach, Health and Community Services Director
❑ Action Item E1 Discussion ❑FYI - Only
Whatcom County Health & Community Services (WCHCS) staff will present a brief update on the
implementation of the Healthy Children's Fund (HCF).
In the 2022 general election, voters in Whatcom County approved Proposition 5, the Healthy Children's
Fund, a property tax measure estimated to raise approximately $9.98M each year for 10 years, for
investments in early learning and care and vulnerable families.
There are 10 strategies contained in the implementation plan, and this briefing will focus on the strategies
staff are prioritizing for RFPs, cooperative agreements, and contracts. The briefing will also discuss the
current funding opportunities and the forthcoming opportunities in both the early learning and care and the
vulnerable children and families categories.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
The priorities of the Healthy Children's Fund will advance geographic, economic, and racial equity for
young children and their families.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Slide Presentation
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
njiL COMMUNITY
Page 34 of 39 SERVICES
3/21 /2024
Investing in early childhood_
• 90% of human brain development happens befores the age of 5.
• Only 50% of kinds in Whatcom County enter kindergarten fully ready to learn
• Children who attend high -quality early learning & care are more likely to be on
track with their reading skills by third grade and graduate high school and attend
college, technical school, or training program that lead to good jobs as adults.
• Whatcom County has 5000 fewer early learning & care slots than we need,
especially in rural areas.
■ Over 85% of Whatcom County businesses report staffing challenges from lack
of early learning and care.
■ For every dollar invested in early childhood programs, between $7 and $13 are
saved through benefits like lower incarceration rates and lower healthcare costs.
Page 35 of 39
3/21 /2024
Healthy Children's Fund
+ Affordable 14
• Accessible
High Quality
• Professional
r"'k
• Expand mental and behavioral
health services
• Prevent and reduce
homelessness
M_ Support for parents/caregivers
Year 1 & 2 Fund Priorities
Early Learning and Care
• Small Capital Projects
• Professional Development
• Subsidies
• Workforce Expansion & Retention
■ Hubs
a Innovative Strategies
Vulnerable Children
a Behavioral Health
• Housing
• Early Parenting Supports
• Resource Navigation
2
Page 36 of 39
3/21 /2024
Healthy Children's Fund: Expected Timeline*
2023 2024 2025
Infrastructure Built
Initial Proj $
April -December 2023
February -March 2024
Implementation Team formed
Staff hued
Processes/policies deyela
Development of Initial Strategies
Initial
July -October 2023
April
Funding mechanisms and
-June
logistics designed
Strategy prioritization timeline pub�ished
Implementation
Plan Approved
March 2023
Initi l Funding Advertised
0clvhei 2023•January 2024
Rchok assistance available
aWrear aiM communication to providers
Ann al Report and
Implemen tian Update
March 2024
Evaluation, rununicailvn., and
Community Engngcn_ pl um published
Selected
Bi-annual Evaluation
Late 2025
cts Executed 01
Process Evaluation Annual Report i
Report Implementation
December 2024
Plan for Years 3
March 2025
ARPA Funding -Birth to 5
Council -directed ARPA funding
• Capital Funding and Expansion
• Stabilization and Emergency Childcare Vouchers
• Home -based childcare businesses
• Second Round of Capital Funding
Page 37 of 39
3/21 /2024
Early Learning & Care Projects ( "i
Strategy #1.• Small Capital Grants
Cap t
Strategy #2: Pathways to a Stable EL&C
Workforce
Strategy #3 & 4: Subsidies and Workforce
Strategy #5: Create Regional Hubs
Strategy #6: Innovative Projects
Vulnerable Children Projects
I �
Strategy #7. Behavioral Health Workforce
Recruitment
Strategy #8: Housing/Homelessness
Strategy #9: Expand and Enhance Early Parenting
Supports
Strategy #10: Expand and Enhance Early
Parenting Support
M
Page 38 of 39
3/21 /2024
What's Coming
Evaluation, Communications, and Community Engagement Plans
• RFPs and Contracts for nearly every strategy
• Planning process for next implementation plan (due March 2025)
* Performance Audit
Questions?
Learn more and sign-up for updates at
https:ffwww.whatcomcounty.us/4069/HeaLthy-
ChiLdrens-Fund
Page 39 of 39
5
• Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
• Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2024-009
File ID: AB2024-009 Version: 1 Status: Received
File Created: 12/12/2023 Entered by: KFelbing@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Receipt of Document(s)
Assigned to: Council as the Health Board Final Action: 03/26/2024
Agenda Date: 03/26/2024 Enactment #:
Primary Contact Email: kfelbing@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Meeting Materials for Health Board March 26, 2024
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
None
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
03/26/2024 Council as the Health Board RECEIVED
Attachments: Agenda and Packet, REVISED Agenda Packet sent from Health and Community Services on
3.21.2024
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 4/21/2025
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING AS THE HEALTH BOARD
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Garden Level Conference Room, Civic Building, 322 N. Commercial Street
(if virtual: www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil)
AGENDA
►, ..
1.
Roll call of Health Board members. Roll call of PHAB
members.
No paper
10:0--10:05
2.
Public comment
No paper
10:05-10:15
3.
Health Officer/Health Director update
(Pages 2-20)
10:15-10:25
4.
Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the
fentan I emergency AB2024-090
(Pages 21-27)
10:25-11:00
5.
Executive Declaration of Emergency
(Pages 28-29)
11:00 —11:10
g.
Whatcom Community Health Insights Preview
(Pages 30-31)
11:10 —11:25
7.
Healthy Children's Fund briefing and discussion
(Page 32)
11:25 —11:55
8.
Closing/Next Steps
No paper
11:55-12:00
WHATCOM COUNTY
h
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
WHATCOM COUNTY Erika Lautenbach, MPH, Director
T c;. Amy Harley, MD, MPH, Co -Health Officer
Health and Community Services Greg Thompson, MD, MPH. Co -Health Officer
Department Report March, 2024
Equity — Collaboration — Compassion — Transparency — Innovation - Service
Leadership:
Health Director work has focused on communication/outreach, legislative session,
meetings with federal legislators, and key issues including Healthy Children's Fund and
fentanyl/overdose Executive action.
Annual Report and City Council Briefings: Whatcom County Health and Community
Services published our first Annual Report in March. In conjunction with the release and
to re -open communication with local elected officials, I provided presentations to every
city council in March. Topics included department/division overview, budget, strategic
plan, 2023 accomplishments and 2024 projects/initiatives.
Legislative Advocacy: Through Washington State Association of Local Public Health
Officials (WSALPHO) and National Association of City and County Health Officials
(NACCHO), I met with state and federal legislators, respectively, to share local
priorities, challenges, and requests for support. Two of the three WSALPHO legislative
priorities passed and were signed into law by the Governor.
Priority Topics: I've worked with our staff team to move our proposed RFPs for the
Healthy Children's Fund through the county process, and partnered with Executive Staff
and stakeholders to develop a budget and recommendations for immediate action re:
fentanyl. I look forward to the Council and Executive actions and the opportunity to
move forward with a variety of new activities and initiatives.
Health Officer work has focused on the opioid crisis, communicable diseases,
behavioral health, and collaboration with community healthcare providers.
Opioids: We have continued engaging with elected officials and community partners in
addressing the opioid crisis. Within the department the Health Officers are working inter -
divisionally, particularly with RSD and CDE, around improving capacity, treatment
options, and interfaces between people who use drugs and the jail, hospital, outpatient
medical providers, Lummi Nation, and Opioid Use Disorder treatment providers. Dr.
Thompson recently attended a 2-day addiction medicine conference and is working to
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
rO9 Girard street COMMUNITY Main Line: (364) 778-6000
Bellingham, WA 98225-4005 L SERVICES www.%whatcomcounty.us/health
2 of 32
connect the Swedish Hospital addiction medicine fellowship program and Whatcom
County healthcare institutions. Dr. Harley is working to improve support for pregnant
people, young families, and youth with mental health concerns. The Health Officers are
also convening meetings of medical leadership to increase collaboration and
communication between healthcare institutions in our county.
Communicable Disease: Respiratory virus guidance is evolving to better respond to
the current situation of less severe outcomes from COVID-19, and harmonize COVID
guidance with that around other respiratory infections. These efforts are balanced with
caution around the ongoing deaths and severe disease from COVID-19 illness,
particularly in those over 65 years of age. Still at the forefront is the prevention message
that vaccination continues to significantly reduce health risks from COVID-19. We are
alert to up -trending measles cases nationally this year, with a number of cases within
Washington state among unimmunized adults. We appreciate efforts by healthcare,
schools, childcare and our immunizations nurses to improve measles immunity in our
county through MMR vaccination.
Other work: We continue to engage regularly around communication and media
requests, data presentation and interpretation, collaboration with the Medical
Examiner's office, and the Whatcom Community Health Insights project.
Communicable Disease and Epidemiology (CD&E):
Public health nurses and staff within the CD&E division continue clinical service
outreach and educational events in the community.
Refugee Health: With the assistance of Dr. Amy Harley, we are working with the state
Department of Health and the federal Department of Health and Human Services to
contract with a local community health center in Whatcom County to start offering
Refugee Health Screenings. Refugees who resettle in Whatcom County must travel to
Snohomish County for Refugee Health Screenings. Offering this service locally can
reduce barriers for refugees seeking health services. Reducing barriers to healthcare
access for this population is vital for infectious disease surveillance in the community.
Vaccine Clinics: The immunization team continues to offer monthly vaccine clinics and
clinic appointments to increase access for residents with barriers. The team recently
received an expression of gratitude for their partnership with Hoagland's Pharmacy to
ensure the administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines for residents who are
insured but homebound due to disability or illness. This vulnerable population often has
high barriers to accessing care due to physical disability and high medical risk, which
3 of 32
prevents them from accessing healthcare through traditional methods. From January to
February 2024, we served 54 clients and administered 134 vaccines.
Candida Auris: The Infection Prevention team, in concert with the state Department of
Health, is collaborating with the local hospital and long-term care facilities on
surveillance and infection prevention protocols for Candida Auris. Cases were recently
identified in Washington State. Candida Auris is a multi -drug -resistant fungus that can
cause severe illness and spread within healthcare facilities.
School/Childcare Support: Our Public Health Nurse and Liaison for School and
Childcare Health is collaborating with the state Department of Health on creating a tool
to help schools and childcare facilities standardize reporting of absenteeism for certain
notifiable conditions and facilitate prompt notification of clusters/outbreaks to local
health jurisdictions. The tool will help streamline data collection and reduce the reporting
burden on the public school system.
Syphilis: Syphilis cases continue to trend upward on the local and national levels. The
Sexual Health Provider Education virtual presentation series, which was organized by
CD&E, begins in March. Syphilis is the first of three presentations by expert faculty from
the University of Washington. This virtual education series will help with healthcare
providers' knowledge deficits regarding managing STDs/STIs.
Tuberculosis: The Tuberculosis Team is currently managing five active TB cases. TB
nurses often provide clinical care and case management to medically complex
individuals. The public health nurse went above and beyond duty to contact a patient's
specialty providers to prevent an adverse outcome from the client's reaction to their
cardiac medication. The same client was admitted to the hospital recently. This nurse
collaborated with the hospital case management team to advocate for this client to
receive a home health nurse at discharge.
Drug Testing: The public health nurses in the SSP/Harm Reduction Program have
started rounding with the street medicine outreach team to increase participant
engagement. Collaborating with the University of Washington and the Addiction, Drug,
& Alcohol Institute (ADAI), they have started offering a new service, which is drug
testing to help participants identify potentially harmful substances circulating in the
community. In addition, both public health nurses are participating in the Community -
Law Enforcement Aligning in Response to Substance Use (CLEARS) Project, a one-
year project to develop regional solutions to improve interactions between law
enforcement and people who use drugs.
Community and Organizational Development (COD):
4 of 32
The Community and Organizational Development division facilitates collaboration
across the divisions and provides accurate, meaningful, and timely information, data,
and training. Specialty areas include data, assessment, epidemiology, informatics,
performance management, evaluation, communications, media relations, emergency
preparedness, equity and belonging work, and workforce development. A few key areas
of focus at this time are:
Equity: The newly formed HEAL (Healing -centered, Equity and Leadership) Team
launched on February 29thl This team will receive professional development in trauma -
informed care, healing -centered practices, antiracism and health equity to create
foundational learning in preparation for actionizing health equity. In late Spring, an
organizational climate and care survey will be launched to assess the strengths and
needs of WCHCS.
Performance Management: Quality Improvement (QI) Council launched March 7t"
This is a cross -divisional collaborative team that will execute the Quality Improvement
strategic priority to improve the use of data to drive decision- making, inform
improvements, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. The council will
focus on alignment and standardization of our department's quality improvement efforts,
bring new innovations to the departments' programs, and increase accountability to
leadership and our stakeholders.
Data: A new Child Wellness Survey focused on infants and children ages 6 months to
11 years is being conducted by WA DOH. Typically, the results would be available at a
state -level however, through Healthy Children's Fund, Whatcom County will survey our
county and get data specific to our community. This will allow more meaningful results
that reflect children and their families who live in the county. The survey will ask parents
of children in this age group about the health and development of their child, access to
childcare, and other topics including mental health. Whatcom County will be a model for
other smaller counties in Washington State that would like to have their own county -
specific sample.
Community Health and Human Services (CH&HS):
Retreat: CH&HS held a retreat on January 25th and nearly every staff member of the
now 30+ people in the division were able to attend and share their programs,
commitments and priorities for 2024. This year the focus is on intentional programming
and commitments in our work, to make sustainable long-term impacts. The retreat also
created space for several of our program teams to connect and find ways to collaborate.
5 of 32
The Veterans Program and the Child and Family team met shortly after the retreat and
are now working on ways to support childcare needs for veteran households.
Severe Weather Shelter: The Severe Weather Shelter has officially closed for the
season, as of March 15th. Over the 20 nights that it was open, over 197 unique guests
were served. The shelter was staffed using a pool of 11 temporary staff and 22
permanent Health & Community Services employees. In partnership with the Response
Systems Division, over 730 hours of training were completed for the individuals who
worked or volunteered for the operation. It was a very large lift, and involved staff across
the department, but with 947 utilizations by guests over those 20 nights and 5 days,
many of our vulnerable neighbors kept warm during some life -threatening temperatures.
Youth RFPs: Supporting youth is very much a focus across several of our programs
right now. It is really exciting to have three different Requests for Proposals (RFP) open
to the community with a youth focus. We are seeking proposals ranging from homeless
prevention strategies for families with children 0-5 (closes 3/12), Outreach work focused
on preventing youth from using opioids (closes 4/2) and an opportunity to support
families seeking services and referrals for their children with healthcare needs (closes
4/2). Each of these is an opportunity to prevent further harm or trauma for many of the
youth in the community, and it is exciting to be one step closer to getting programs to
the people and places they are needed most.
Healthy Children's Fund: Over the last month, the Children and Family Programs
have released a Housing Stability RFP, solicited proposals from Doulas to serve
Medicaid eligible pregnant parents and finalized a Basic Needs RFP that will be
released in early April for families with Children 0-5. All funded through the Healthy
Children's Fund. The Child and Family Well Being Task Force will be hosting its first
annual retreat on March 29th, with focus on building a work plan and connection
amongst the group moving into the new year.
Opioids/Behavioral Health: Our Prevention staff continue to support the work of the All
Hands team, and so far in 2024, there have been four successful events. The staff are
also excited as they are just beginning the scoring of the proposals from a recently
closed RFP seeking providers able to offer school based teletherapy in Whatcom
County. This will mean added capacity for youth mental health services in our schools.
Environmental Health (EH):
EH programs focus on protecting groups of people from threats to their health and
safety posed by their environments. EH programs include various sanitation areas such
as food safety, drinking water, on -site sewage and solid waste.
6 of 32
New Leadership: With the recent promotion of an environmental health specialist into a
supervisor position within the division, there has been a shift and reorganization of
programmatic responsibilities. This expansion in leadership will allow for more support
in programs including food safety, living environment, school safety and solid waste.
Smoke and Heat Response: Using Foundational Public Health Services funding, EH is
building a program to support frontline communities during wildfire smoke and extreme
heat events. Several public education events, including at senior centers around the
county, and focused conversations are scheduled in April 2024. This qualitative
assessment will inform the recommendations of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment,
which will be completed June 30, 2024.
Coordinated Water System Plan: The division is leading the Coordinated Water
System Plan update to dovetail with the County's larger Comprehensive Plan update.
Changes and updates to the plan intend to address complex issues such as the impact
of climate change on water systems.
Financial Services:
The Financial & Administrative Services division supports the department by
coordinating financial services such as contract processing, payment processing, grant
billing, payroll processing and other various audit functions.
New Manager: The new Financial Services Manager started February 26' and this
position will coordinate and oversee the daily departmental financial and accounting
activities.
Year End: The Business Office has wrapped up the 2023 financial year end process.
This process included creating grant accountability worksheets for the 33 Federal
Grants ($2.8M) and 51 State Grants ($15.7M) that were reviewed and reconciled.
Contracts: Our Contracts Coordinator is successfully managing 129 active contracts
and 15 Letter of Agreements (LOA's) to help support the $34.2M the department has
budgeted to contractual services in 2024.
Response Systems:
The Response Systems Division (RSD) programs aim to address the needs of individuals
lacking adequate care for behavioral health challenges and basic needs within our
community. These programs seek to alleviate the reliance on emergency services such
7 of 32
as 911, crisis interventions, and the legal system. By implementing innovative approaches
like the Alternative Response Team (ART), Ground -Level Response and Coordinated
Engagement (GRACE) program, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone
Advance with Dignity (LEAD) program, Co -Responder program, Mental Health Court and
Street Medicine Team, we strive to provide comprehensive support to individuals in need
while also enhancing the efficiency of our emergency response and care coordination
systems.
A few program highlights include:
ART: The Alternative Response Team (ART) is fully staffed as of March 4th. ART
continues to respond to 911 calls in lieu of law enforcement when appropriate. In
addition to the ART response team, RSD was able to hire a Behavioral Health Aide who
support ART and community providers with transportation needs. In March, RSD will
report back to County and City of Bellingham councils on how the first year of ART has
gone, what we have learned and where we hope to go.
Co -Response: In partnership with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, the Co -
Responder program is in full swing. With two highly trained and skilled Behavioral
Health (BH) specialists, the team is able to respond with deputies to calls for service
that have a BH concern. Co -Responders are able to bring services and support to
community members in the moment, provide some follow-up and free up deputies to be
available for other calls.
Similar to ART, we are working with a 3rd party evaluator in the pilot year of Co -
Response to assist our community in understanding the need for a Co -Responder
program, areas of growth and data analysis.
In April, staff members from the Co -Responder and GRACE programs will attend the
2nd annual Co -Responder Outreach Alliance of WA conference. This will be an
opportunity to meet with co -responder programs from across WA state.
8 of 32
wr °
c�
C1'
� 4
fir'"'• � 'v „� <. .
+ `
K
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
fi COMMUNITY
SERVICES
Ann I
Report
9 of 32
A Letter Frcrn
The Dlrectc.4 r
We live in a different world than five years ago. While many of the most significant impacts of COVID-19 are behind us, new
threats to our health and community have emerged, or become more pronounced. Fentanyl has devastated families, and
in Whatcom County, there has been a nearly 50% increase in overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023. Mental illness, while a
long-term priority, has now reached a crisis level for families, schools and our young people. Key drivers of homelessness
- affordability and accessibility - are worse, while services for the chronically homeless are not keeping pace with the
growing numbers of people living unsheltered. Access to affordable childcare, food, and other basic needs has declined
due to inflation and other economic drivers. The increase in severe weather events and temperatures we're experiencing
are impacting our homes and way of life.
Life has changed for you in these last five years — and it's changed for us, as well. Our department, which serves every
geographic corner of the county in cities and unincorporated communities alike, is a different organization in so many
ways. Coming out of the COVID-19 crisis response, we have been able to utilize our growing number of staff to expand
public health work in our County. Two years ago, we created the Response Systems Division, which brought our crisis
outreach and intensive case management programs in-house. Last year, we launched our new five-year strategic plan
and changed our name to Whatcom County Health and Community Services. Nearly half of our staff now work in human
services or behavioral health, and this change honors the complexity and diversity of our work and commitment to our
community. Through state and federal grants, we've expanded programs in nearly every division in our department. We're
implementing the goals of the Healthy Children's Fund, passed in 2022, and beginning work on designing the behavioral
health components of the Public Health, Safety, and Justice ballot measure passed in 2023. While our team, and budget,
are nearly double what they were just five years ago, only 6% of our revenue comes from the county's general fund. We are
proud to have built programs and services that have gained the trust and financial commitment of outside funders.
Today, the public health system is more visible than it has ever been before. We recognize that for some in our community,
it may be hard to trust government agencies due to both historical traumas and recent challenges. The best way that we
can grow that trust is to earn it. We intend to do that every day by providing timely services with the customer service you
expect, while tackling the important issues that matter to Whatcom County. If we have learned anything in the last several
years, it's that nothing important can be accomplished without the support and collaboration of our partners and our
community. I invite you to move forward with us into a new era for Whatcom County Health and Community Services. We
look forward to working with you, and for you.
In Community,
Erika Lautenbach, MPH
Director, Whatcom County Health and Community Services
10 of 32
page 2 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Purprse, Pric ritles, Values
ADVANCING EQUITY = PARTNERING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
•
Community
Partnerships &
Engagement
Partner collaboratively to
find community -based
solutions that advance
health and health equity.
F O'iE APO- '1
04,0
PROVIDE
Organizational
Infrastructure
Effectively manage
finances, resources, and
staffing to support a
culture of ethical practice,
decision -making and
governance.
•
Workforce
Development
Build and support a
diverse, skilled health anc
human services work-
force while ensuring an
organizational culture
and work environment
that is supportive of staff.
Quality
Management
Use program data to
drive decision -making,
inform ongoing improve-
ments and foster a
culture of transparency
and accountability.
• collawmation • Compassion • Transparency • Innovation • Service
What We Dre�
The Communicable
Disease and
Epidemiology division
works to stop the spread
of disease. They work to
prevent and investigate
infectious diseases,
provide screenings and
clinical/community
support referrals, and
provide vaccinations and
harm reduction services.
They work to prevent and
control the spread of
communicable diseases
like tuberculosis,
measles, COVID-19,
RSV, influenza, hepatitis
C, HIV, syphilis, MRSA,
and many more.
Programs include:
• Immunizations
• Tuberculosis
• Syringe Services
Program
• Communicable Disease
• Sexual Health
The Community and
Organizational
Development division
provides services that
cross -cut and connect all
divisions within the
department. They help
the department to carry
out its priorities and
projects more effectively
and implement WCHCS's
2023-2027 Strategic
Plan.
Programs include:
• Health Information &
Assessment
• Epidemiology
• Assessment &
Evaluation
• Data & Informatics
• Partnerships & Strategy
• Communications
• Emergency
Preparedness &
Resiliency
• Equity
• Policy
• Workforce Development
The Community
Health & Human
Services division
promotes health and
well-being for everyone
in our community. They
aim to reduce health
disparities and
encourage healthy
behaviors. They offer
services in areas such as
housing, food and
nutrition, and substance
use prevention, as well
as support for children
and families, veterans,
and people with
disabilities.
Programs include:
• Nurse -Family
Partnership
• Food Systems
• Homeless Housing
• Developmental
Disabilities
• Veterans
• Substance use
prevention
• Children with Special
Health Care Needs
• Childcare and Early
Learning
• LatinX Outreach
page 4 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
The Environmental
Health division works to
promote a healthy and
safe environment. They
focus on disease and
injury prevention and
adherence to
environmental health
mandates and
requirements. They
monitor drinking and
recreational water
quality; conduct
restaurant inspections
and monitor food recalls
in order to prevent
foodborne illnesses;
prevent exposure to
hazards like lead,
asbestos, or mold in
homes or school
environments, and much
more.
Programs include:
• Solid Waste
• Food Safety
• School Health & Safety
• Living Environment
• On -site Septic
• Drinking Water
• Climate Change
Response
The Financial and
Administrative
Services division
makes sure services run
smoothly. They provide
customer service to
community members in
accessing information
and resources. They
manage vital records like
birth and death
certificates, permits, and
other health -related
public records. They also
oversee the department
budget, grants and
contracts, and financial
services.
Programs include:
• Community customer
services including vital
records, permitting, and
complaints
• Financial Services and
Contracts
• Internal administrative
services
The Response
Systems division
provides intensive case
management services to
vulnerable community
members. They work
closely with first
responders, healthcare
providers, social
services, and the legal
system to coordinate
services for their clients
and reduce utilization of
emergency services and
incarceration.
Programs include:
• Ground -Level Response
and Coordinated
Engagement (GRACE)
• Law Enforcement
Assisted Diversion
(LEAD)
• Alternative Response
Team (ART)
• Mental Health Court
• Co -Responder program
with Behavioral Health
Sheriff Deputies
• Behavioral health
contracts and
coordination
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report page 5
YAL7 : FF
Behavioral Health Funds
Improve Outcomes for Our
Kids
All seven school districts in Whatcom County provided
behavioral health services in the previous and current school
years using Behavioral Health Funds administered through our
department. All Whatcom County kids benefit from this, with
57% of people served outside Bellingham.
The funds go towards substance use prevention professionals
and programs, mental and behavioral health practitioners,
coordination of community services, and outreach.
Reducing risk in these areas also impacts other `life indicators,'
such as improving school performance and a child's interactions
with family and community.
These services demonstrate:
• Cost savings to the community.
• Improved behavioral health outcomes.
• Referrals and connections to treatment for mental health,
substance use, or both.
• Leveraged resources.
Cost -benefit estimates show that effective school -based
programs can save $18 for every $1 spent.
Wiser Lake: Our year -long data collection effort will
help understand & mitigate harmful algae blooms.
Improving the Health of Wiser
La ke
For the last two years we've been studying the consistent
presence of harmful algae blooms (HABs) at Wiser Lake.
Through a grant from the Washington State Department of
Health, we worked with local groups to collect 12 months of
data - the first step in discovering the cause of HABs.
An additional grant from the Department of Ecology will start in
July and fund analysis of the data we are currently collecting.
Then, we can develop a set of recommendations based on the
results.
For updates on this project, or to sign up for notifications via
email or text, visit https://www.whatcomcounty.us/wiser.
Whatcom County Made Historic Childcare Investments
Last May, Whatcom County awarded $5.8 million in federal
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to create 277 new
early learning slots and preserve 84 existing slots, including
investments in Ferndale, Bellingham, and the Meridian School
District. Awardees include:
• Whatcom Family YMCA Barkley
• Western Washington University's Child Development Center
• Opportunity Council Bellis Project
• Gabriel's Art Kids, Ferndale
• Meridian School District
The County also awarded a $750,000 grant to the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Whatcom County to mitigate financial impacts from the
COVID-19 pandemic after its March 2020 acquisition of Kids'
World.
In addition, with ARPA funding from Whatcom County and the
City of Bellingham, Opportunity Council's Center for Retention
and Expansion of Childcare (C-RECC) has awarded grants to
over 32 local childcare providers, ranging from $10,000 to
$100,000 per provider. With these grants, providers have been
able to raise wages, meet urgent maintenance needs, purchase
supplies, and create enriched early learning environments with
high -quality curriculum and services.
Further funding from Whatcom County has supported
emergency childcare vouchers for families, business leadership
and technical assistance, and professional development
scholarships for childcare workers.
14 of 32
page 6 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Innovative New Program Provides Alternative to Law
Enforcement for 911 Calls
Last year WCHCS launched Whatcom County's Alternative to respond to the most serious 911 calls. From July through
Response Team (ART), a program that sends behavioral health December 2023, 830 calls to 911 were dispatched directly to
specialists to respond to specific non-violent behavioral health ART. Less than one percent of those calls needed to be referred
911 calls in Bellingham, instead of law enforcement. to law enforcement for back-up support.
ART works to de-escalate tense situations and engage someone
experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Feedback from law
enforcement and other community partners is that most ART
calls have been resolved without additional backup from law
enforcement, and thus freeing up Bellingham Police Officers
Taking Action to Address
the Opioid Crisis in Our
Community
Responding to the opioid crisis in our community continues
to be a WCHCS top priority. Every division at WCHCS is
working to address the opioid crisis by supporting children,
youth, and families facing addiction; preventing overdose
deaths by distributing Naloxone and training community
members on how to use it; working on the street directly with
clients with addiction issues to connect them to housing,
medical care, and other essential services; operating the
Syringe Services Program; providing training and education
regarding fentanyl and other opioids; working to increase
access to treatment and recovery options; advocating
for system -wide improvements; and leading county -wide
prevention coalitions.
In June, the department launched the website
whatcomoverdoseprevention.org, where individuals and
groups can request free Naloxone kits and find information,
resources, and up-to-date local data on the opioid crisis.
In August, WCHCS formed the County -wide Multi -Agency
Coordination (MAC) Group formed to coordinate response
efforts. The MAC group is made up of 70+ organizations and
agencies focused on substance use disorder prevention,
treatment, intervention, and recovery; members include
leaders in healthcare, social services, housing, law
enforcement, courts, EMS, libraries, schools, and tribal
health.
2023 By The Numbers:
For more information, visit the ART webpage at
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/RSD.
(Left to Right) WCHCS Co -Health Officer Dr. Greg
Thompson, Whatcom County EMS Specialist
Steven Cohen and WCHCS Supervisor Lela Riherd
providing information and training at a Sehome
High School community event.
Communicable Disease & Epidemiology
• 734 vaccine outreach events were held - •
i served over 500 clients, more than 7,000
invaccines were administered
• 300 scheduled clinical visits completed
15 of 32
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Provided approximately 125 syringe
services program/harm reduction clinics
and trainings for community partners
page 7
Partnership With Ferndale
Community Services
Supports County Severe
Weather Shelter
Ferndale
• • Community
Services
Serving North Whatcom County
WCHCS manages the county's contract to provide up to
$75,450 to Ferndale Community Services, funded by the
federal American Rescue Plan Act. This local nonprofit
operates the only Whatcom County shelter outside the
city limits of Bellingham. The group's typical service area
includes Ferndale, Custer, Blaine, Birch Bay, Lynden, and
the surrounding unincorporated county areas. This shelter
can accept up to 15 guests and provides shower and laundry
facilities, along with a warm place to sleep during extremely
cold weather.
In addition to the severe weather shelter, Ferndale Community
Services provides year-round support to community members
in need through:
• A Community Resource Center with clothing and
household items
• The Other Bank providing hygiene supplies
• The Utility Fund for help with City of Ferndale water and
sewer bills
• Computer and phone usage
• Housing and job search assistance
• Transportation services
• Shower and laundry referrals
Learn more at https://ferndalecs.org/
2023 By The Numbers:
Environmental Health
Partnership with Local
Veterans Clinic Enhances,
Expands Veterans Services
WCHCS has supported military veterans in Whatcom County
with resource referrals and financial assistance for over a
decade with a single staff member. In 2023, the department
added a second veterans specialist position whose office is
located at the Bellingham's Vet Center.
The Bellingham Vet Center is a one -stop -shop for qualifying
veterans seeking mental health counseling, veteran resources,
and disability benefits/claims processing. Having county
staff co -located in the same building has strengthened the
partnership with Bellingham -based VA employees, maintained
open communication with other veteran service providers, and
increased collaboration with outreach opportunities, in order
to better support veterans in our community. Many Whatcom
County vets served in Vietnam, and many live in rural parts
of the County with limited transportation options. Having two
locations where they can get services (as well as the ability to
connect over email, phone, or text) has helped make services
much more accessible. In 2023, WCHCS staff submitted 1,132
claims on behalf of Whatcom County veterans.
The two veterans staff members at WCHCS have been able to
complement each other's work and support veterans in new
ways, such as presenting to elected officials to educate them
on veterans' needs, providing clinics for Border Patrol staff who
are military veterans, and meet people `where they're at' in
their workplaces. Both staff are veterans, which allows them to
better connect and understand the services and agencies they
work with on bethalf of other veterans.
• Tracked over 29,000 onsite sewage
Supported at least 830 individual water systems
connections • Trained 874 homeowners to maintain
Increased access to sewage disposal for their onsite sewage system
over 300 properties
16 of 32
page 8
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Congratulations to our
Partner, Sustainable
Connections, on 1 Million
Pounds in the Food Recovery
Program
The WCHCS Solid Waste Program provides local nonprofit
Sustainable Connections with $30,000 annually to support the
Food Recovery Program (FRP). This program aims to reduce
food insecurity, divert edible items that would otherwise go into
landfills, and address climate change by redistributing surplus,
nutritious food from local businesses to neighbors experiencing
hunger, rather than sending that food to the landfill.
The program started in 2019 and reached the one million pound
mark in 2023. The FRP is also the umbrella program for the
"Freedge", a refrigerated food pantry located at the RE Store in
Bellingham.
In their 2022-23 annual report, Sustainable Connections
reported that:
• 16 new businesses were recruited to the FRP
• 10 new businesses were consulted in how to to divert their
inedible food to compost instead of landfills
• 3 local events were supported in diverting food and
organics from the landfill.
For more information on the Food Recovery Program, visit
https:Hsustainableconnections.org/tag/foodrecoveryprogram/
Sustainable
Connections
(COMMUN17Y BRIDGE)
Oro!"1
®PEN TODAY
2023 By The Numbers:
Nurse Family Partnership
• 89 families served
• 25 babies born
• 750 home visits and
250 telehealth visits
We held two free drop-off tire recycling events in
2023. We collected an estimated 72,500 tires across
755 loads - several thousand more than in past
years. These events were made possible by funding
from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
....................... y
Care*Van
Caravana de Salud
Care -A -Van Clinics Offer
Free Vaccine Clinics to
Underserved Communities
Care -a -Van Mobile Health Clinics are a partnership between
WCHCS and the State Department of Health to increase access
to health services in rural Whatcom County. Care -A -Van also
partners with tribal nations, elder care facilities, and Western
Washington University to offer free vaccines to people without
health insurance.
In 2023 WCHCS and Care -A -Van co -hosted 13 vaccine clinics
through this program, offering free vaccines for COVID-19, flu,
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Mpox, and routine childhood
vaccines.
2023 Naloxone Distribution
11,824 Naloxone doses distributed in
Whatcom County
17 of 32
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report page 9
Leadership
Erika Lautenbach, Department Director
Dr. Amy Harley, Co -Health Officer
Dr. Greg Thompson, Co -Health Officer
Management
Ann Beck, Community Health & Human
Services
Lynnette Bennett, Community &
Organizational Development
Malora Christensen, Response Systems
Sabrina Houck, Financial Services
Shamika Brooks, Communicable Disease
& Epidemiology
Sue Sullivan, Environmental Health
Advisory Groups
Public Health Advisnry Bnard
Sterling Chick, Chair
Emily O'Connor, Vice Chair
Behavinral Health Advisnry Cnmmittee
Nicholas Evans, Chair
Child & Family Wellbeing Taskfnrce
Christina Jackson, Co -Chair
Ray Deck, Co -Chair
Developmental Disabilities Advisnry
Bnard
Raegen Miller, Co -Chair
Lindsay Foreman -Murray, Co -Chair
Fnnd Systems Committee
Riley Sweeney, Chair
Margaret Gerard, Vice Chair
Solid Waste Advisnry Cnmmittee
Rodd Pemble, Chair
Brandi Hutton, Co -Chair
Solid Waste Executive Cnmmittee
F Satpal Sidhu, Chair
Veterans Advisnry Bnard
Lynne Graham, Co -Chair
Andrea Vance, Co -Chair
Whatcnm Cnunty Hnusing Advisnry
Cnmmittee
Dan Dunne, Chair
Ashley Thomasson, Vice Chair
Healthy Whatcnm (Community Health
Improvement)
•
39%
35.5%
8%
7%
5%
4.5%
7%
'A=
ancial
35.5%
Way Station
Along with our partners, we look forward to opening the doors of
the Way Station this fall. The Way Station, located at 1500 State
Street in Bellingham, will offer respite beds for individuals exiting
the hospital, hygiene services, medical and behavioral health
care and connections, as well as case management and referral
services. These services will be provided by PeaceHealth,
Opportunity Council, and Unity Care NW. The second floor will
co -locate Whatcom County EMS and WCHCS teams including
syringe services, GRACE and LEAD.
Concept illustration of the State Street Way
Station Facility.
Climate Vulnerability
Assessment
Our Environmental Health division is conducting a Climate
Vulnerability Assessment, with plans to release a final report
in Summer 2024. The Climate Vulnerability Assessment, is
specifically focused on extreme heat and wildfire smoke impacts
on the health of residents of Whatcom County. The assessment
will include stakeholder feedback, smoke/heat data analysis,
and results of focus groups with frontline communities on needs
and gaps.
2023 By The Numbers:
Healthy Children's Fund
We expect to release a wide range of Requests for Proposals
(RFPs) to identify service providers who will receive funding
to support the two overarching goals of the Healthy Children's
Fund, passed by voters in 2022: 1) Increase access and
affordability of early learning and care and 2) Provide support
for vulnerable children and families. Selected providers
will make progress on these goals by increasing childcare
slots, providing systems of support for families ranging from
prenatal services to early intervention, as well as addressing
developmental delays, housing concerns, and meeting basic
needs to stabilize families.
Fentanyl response
In 2024, our department will dedicate significant resources
to addressing the fentanyl crisis in our community, including
utilization of opioid settlement funding to provide trainings
and public education about fentanyl, identifying additional
intervention and treatment options for people struggling with
opioid use disorder, and continued coordination with partners
to ensure the most effective delivery of existing and future
services.
Public Health Nurse Sarah Best demonstrates how
to administer Narcon on Overdose Awareness Day
in August 2023.
Financial and Administrative Services
• 8,060 Death Certificates issued ($189,88S • Answered over 9,000 phone calls from
in revenue) the public in 2023.
• 3,99S Birth Certificates issued ($99,87S in • Processed 326 public records requests
revenue)
19 of 32
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
page 11
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND Alk
j� COMMUNITY KIMM
SERVICES
509 Girard Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-778-6000
Fax: 360-778-6001
www.whatcomcounty.us/Health
Front Cover Photo: Randy Rydel, Whatcom County Public Works Department
Rear Cover Photo: Vincent Alvarez, Whatcom County Information Technology Department
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
AGENDA ITEM #4: Resolution Declaring a State of Emergency re: Fentanyl
PRESENTERS: Barry Buchanan and Ben Elenbaas; Co-sponsors of the
resolution
BOARD ACTION: Q Action Item ❑ Discussion ❑ FYI -Only
On February 6, Councilmembers Elenbaas and Buchanan introduced a resolution that would declare the
fentanyl crisis an emergency. This was an additional step following 7-0 passage by Council of resolutions
requesting the President and Governor declare declarations of emergency.
While the declaration was discussed in the Committee of the Whole on February 6, no action was taken, as the
Council wished to talk with stakeholders including relevant county staff and elected officials and outside boards,
commissions, and task forces. Councilmembers met with a variety of stakeholders and used that feedback to create
a new draft.
On March 7, Councilmember Buchanan joined the PHAB meeting to discuss the resolution and gather feedback from
members. A number of PHAB members provided comments and suggestions at the meeting as well as in writing the
following week.
Council co-sponsors have indicated they would like to take a final vote as the Health Board at this meeting. PHAB
members may also choose to take an advisory vote on the resolution.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
Declaring fentanyl an emergency will position Whatcom County to receive any emergency funding to
combat and prevent fentanyl use. Certain populations, including residents who are unsheltered and those
with pre-existing behavioral health, substance use disorder, or history of trauma, are at risk of developing
opioid use disorder. Supporting these populations will impact those most vulnerable to overdose death or
poor health outcomes.
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
21 of 32
flitWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
Take a final vote on the Resolution.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Resolution AB2024-xxx
WHATCOM COUNTY
nit
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
22 of 32 SERVICES
1 PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
2 INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
3
4
5 RESOLUTION NO.
6
7 IDENTIFYING WHATCOM COUNTY APPROACHES
8 TO THE FENTANYL EMERGENCY
9
10 WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
11 County in 2023 (132) exceeded deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every year
12 since 2018; and
13
14 WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
15 resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
16 our communities; and
17
18 WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
19 further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
20
21 WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
22 potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
23 more potent than heroin; and
24
25 WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
26 it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
27 fentanyl; and
28
29 WHEREAS, our community's approach to fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes must
30 be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
31
32 WHEREAS, the use of fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
33 and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
34 state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
35
36 WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, businesses,
37 community members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom:
38 Opioid Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response
39 to the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
40
41 WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
42 organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi-
43 Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
44
45 WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
46 multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
47 occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
23 of 32
1
2 WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
3 response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
4 strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
5 in Whatcom County; and
6
7 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
8 Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
9 1. Prevent opioid misuse,
10 2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
11 3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
12 4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
13 evaluate interventions,
14 5. Support individuals in recovery; and
15
16 WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
17 Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
18
19 WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
20 and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
21 local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
22 internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
23 safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
24
25 WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
26 041 supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
27 response to the fentanyl crisis; and
28
29 WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
30 Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
31 epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
32
33 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
34 in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
35 WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
36 additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
37
38 WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
39 the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
40 actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
41
42 WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
43 the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
44 and
45
24 of 32
1 WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council adopted the Whatcom County
2 Justice Project Implementation Plan (Ord. 2023-039), which identifies priority projects vetted by
3 the community and categorized in five key strategy areas:
4 I. Ensure Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency
5 II. Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services
6 III. Build Facilities Needed to Promote Public Health, Safety, and Justice
7 IV. Expand the Capacity of Programs to Reduce Incarceration/Re-incarceration
8 V. Make Systems Changes with Local, Regional, State, and Federal Partners; and
9
10 WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
11 Governor of the State of Washington declare a statewide emergency to address the fentanyl
12 crisis; and
13
14 WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
15 President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis; and
16
17 WHEREAS, community leaders, agency staff, and other stakeholders convened in early
18 2024 to informally discuss near term solutions to address the fentanyl crisis in our community;
19 and
20 WHEREAS, this resolution details near term approaches, which are not intended to
21 replace the long-term approaches detailed in more comprehensive county policy documents.
22
23 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
24 there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
25 communities; and
26
27 NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
28 recommends the following near -term approaches to address the fentanyl crisis:
29
30 Government Coordination:
31 1. Advocate for the declaration of emergencies at state and federal levels, thereby
32 opening up additional resources to address the crisis.
33 2. Unite national efforts by getting as many jurisdictions as possible to approve a
34 resolution to request an emergency be declared at the state and federal levels.
35 3. County Executive Order declaring an emergency and detailing specific action items
36 (use of opioid settlement funds, one-time reserve funds) to jump start efforts based on
37 Opioid Task Force and MAC group recommendations.
38 4. Advocate for a legislative fix for the legal inability to issue warrants based on a
39 juvenile's risk to themselves.
raj,
41 Accountabilit
42 5. Advocate to change state law (RCW 9A.42.100) to make it a class B felony to expose a
43 child to fentanyl.
44 6. Sheriff and local police to track data on who is not going to jail because of booking
45 restrictions.
46 7. Streamlined testing for fentanyl to, confirming substance for court cases.
25 of 32
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8. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable in order to find true data and get people
connected to resources, interrupt overdose cycle.
9. Fund and employ narcotics -detection dogs to keep drugs out of the jail.
10. Use reckless endangerment and Assault in the Third Degree to hold persons
accountable for exposing children to fentanyl.
11. Address the need to confirm substances by using test strips and training police to
identify fentanyl (can attest with an affidavit that it's fentanyl).
12.Identify potential modifications to booking restrictions in the jail.
13. Prepare to address an increase in jail population when booking restrictions are altered.
14. Fully staff the jail, using corrections hiring and retention bonuses.
15. Use the involuntary treatment act (ITA) process to get people help for substance
abuse. People may be committed to inpatient medical treatment for behavioral health
disorders AND substance abuse disorders under the ITA.
a. Would require additional staffing for an ITA attorney in the Public Defender's
Office.
16. Encourage use of the full force of the law to address major crimes and offenses related
to fentanyl, for distribution, imposing the strictest sentences available for fentanyl
related crimes.
17. More youth diversion, especially for people ages 18-25 years old.
18. Evaluate alternative court programs for higher utilization and capacity.
Prevention and Community Supports:
19. More lower cost housing and creative housing solutions (such as dorm style housing
opportunities - room with shared kitchen and bath).
20. Multi -language public education program, including youth public education.
21. Consider the benefits and potential local applications of the Icelandic Model, a
community -based approach to substance use that decreases the likelihood of
adolescent substance use by strengthening the supportive role of parents and schools
and the network of opportunities around them.
Treatment
22. Provide training for healthcare providers on Medication -assisted treatment.
23. Advocate for involuntary commitment laws as a way to create an option for those who
are unable to walk away from addiction themselves and without help; strengthen
Ricky's Law.
24. Increase funding for treatment programs to increase availability of detox beds, provide
voluntary treatment while waiting for sentencing, provide access to treatment instead
of sentencing.
25. Provide additional resources for recovery court, including a secure facility other than
the jail.
26. Ensure services are available for juveniles, not just adults.
27. Fund hiring and longevity incentives (bonuses) for correctional deputies in order to fill
staffing vacancies in the jail facility.
28. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable; interrupt overdose cycle and connect individuals
to treatment and services.
29. Ensure continuity of care between medically assisted treatment (MAT) programs inside
and outside the jail; medication should be the same in both environments.
26 of 32
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30. Provide support and training for first responder dealing with trauma and burnout
related to overdose responses.
31. Create and implement an overdose response team.
32. Create a Secure Withdrawal Management and Stabilization (SWMS) facility that allows
for involuntary commitment of 72 hours, with the potential to extend for up to 14 days.
33. Provide 24-hour responses for diversion (LEAD)
34. Provide programs in the jail (e.g., Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, GED,
counseling)
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
respectfully requests that the Executive, Sheriff, local municipalities, and other community
partners consider their roles and take action to move forward the aforementioned near -term
approaches to address the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this day of , 2024.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/s/ Royce Buckingham/by email 3/13/2024/ch
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair
27 of 32
AGENDA ITEM #5
PRESENTERS:
BOARD ACTION:
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
Action Plan — Fentanyl Response
Executive's office
❑ Action Item Q Discussion
❑ FYI - Only
While Whatcom County government has taken many steps to address opioids locally, the urgency of the
issue requires new strategies, both new and re -prioritized funding, and more immediate action across the
prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare/recovery continuum.
The Executive appreciates Council's leadership in bringing the urgency of the fentanyl crisis further into the
public sphere, enhancing coordination amongst different branches and levels of government, and engaging
in thoughtful work with stakeholders.
We want to be responsive to any Health Board action and are working with Health & Community Services,
the Sheriff's OfficelDEM, and EMS on assembling a set of actions that can be implemented quickly for
maximum impact, consistent with recommendations from the MAC group and the Whatcom County Justice
Project Implementation Plan.
This is an opportunity to discuss at a high-level the types of actions the community can expect to see.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
Certain populations, including residents who are unsheltered and those with pre-existing behavioral health,
substance use disorder, or history of trauma, are at risk of developing opioid use disorder. Supporting
these populations will impact those most vulnerable to overdose death or poor health outcomes.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
Provide high level feedback on concept or actions.
28 of 32
nWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
WHATCOM COUNTY
nit
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
29 of 32 SERVICES
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
AGENDA ITEM #6: Whatcom Community Health Insights
PRESENTERS: Amy Hockenberry, Health Information and Assessment
Supervisor and Dr. Chris Laugen, Epidemiologist, Whatcom
County Health and Community Services
BOARD ACTION: ❑ Action Item ❑ Discussion Q FYI - Only
The Whatcom Community Health Insights (WCHI) is a web -based platform to share local data, trends, and
comparisons with Washington State and National averages. It will include stratification by subpopulations
when possible and will provide links to relevant resources and community partners working to address the
issue.
The purpose of the WCHI is to:
• Provide meaningful & easily accessible population health data for Whatcom County;
• Give community partners, elected officials, and other community groups easy access to current
data on an ongoing basis;
• Help inform partners' planning, decision -making, grant applications, etc.; and
• Increase transparency in sharing public health data.
Staff will provide an overview and a preview of the tool, which will be released in early April.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
The WCHI will both stratify subpopulations by race/ethnicity, age, geography, etc., when possible, it will
also highlight disparities among populations to advance equity and prompt community action.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
None.
30 of 32
nWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
WHATCOM COUNTY
nit
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
31 of32 SERVICES
AGENDA ITEM #7
PRESENTERS:
BOARD ACTION:
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
Healthy Children's Fund update
Erika Lautenbach, Health and Community Services Director
❑ Action Item E1 Discussion ❑FYI - Only
Whatcom County Health & Community Services (WCHCS) staff will present a brief update on the
implementation of the Healthy Children's Fund (HCF).
In the 2022 general election, voters in Whatcom County approved Proposition 5, the Healthy Children's
Fund, a property tax measure estimated to raise approximately $9.98M each year for 10 years, for
investments in early learning and care and vulnerable families.
There are 10 strategies contained in the implementation plan, and this briefing will focus on the strategies
staff are prioritizing for RFPs, cooperative agreements, and contracts. The briefing will also discuss the
current funding opportunities and the forthcoming opportunities in both the early learning and care and the
vulnerable children and families categories.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
The priorities of the Healthy Children's Fund will advance geographic, economic, and racial equity for
young children and their families.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None (power point presentation forthcoming at meeting and will be shared following meeting)
32 of 32
nWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING AS THE HEALTH BOARD
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Garden Level Conference Room, Civic Building, 322 N. Commercial Street
(if virtual: www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil)
AGENDA
►, ..
1.
Roll call of Health Board members. Roll call of PHAB
members.
No paper
10:0--10:05
2.
Public comment
No paper
10:05-10:15
3.
Health Officer/Health Director update
(Pages 2-20)
10:15-10:25
4.
Council Resolution re: Fentanyl (AB2024-090)
(Pages 21-29)
10:25-11:00
5.
Action Plan — Fentanyl Response
(Pages 30-31)
11:00 —11:10
6.
Whatcom Community Health Insights Preview
(Pages 32-33)
11:10 —11:25
7.
Healthy Children's Fund briefing and discussion
(Page 34-39)
11:25 —11:55
g.
Closing/Next Steps
No paper
11:55-12:00
WHATCOM COUNTY
h
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
WHATCOM COUNTY Erika Lautenbach, MPH, Director
T c;. Amy Harley, MD, MPH, Co -Health Officer
Health and Community Services Greg Thompson, MD, MPH. Co -Health Officer
Department Report March, 2024
Equity — Collaboration — Compassion — Transparency — Innovation - Service
Leadership:
Health Director work has focused on communication/outreach, legislative session,
meetings with federal legislators, and key issues including Healthy Children's Fund and
fentanyl/overdose Executive action.
Annual Report and City Council Briefings: Whatcom County Health and Community
Services published our first Annual Report in March. In conjunction with the release and
to re -open communication with local elected officials, I provided presentations to every
city council in March. Topics included department/division overview, budget, strategic
plan, 2023 accomplishments and 2024 projects/initiatives.
Legislative Advocacy: Through Washington State Association of Local Public Health
Officials (WSALPHO) and National Association of City and County Health Officials
(NACCHO), I met with state and federal legislators, respectively, to share local
priorities, challenges, and requests for support. Two of the three WSALPHO legislative
priorities passed and were signed into law by the Governor.
Priority Topics: I've worked with our staff team to move our proposed RFPs for the
Healthy Children's Fund through the county process, and partnered with Executive Staff
and stakeholders to develop a budget and recommendations for immediate action re:
fentanyl. I look forward to the Council and Executive actions and the opportunity to
move forward with a variety of new activities and initiatives.
Health Officer work has focused on the opioid crisis, communicable diseases,
behavioral health, and collaboration with community healthcare providers.
Opioids: We have continued engaging with elected officials and community partners in
addressing the opioid crisis. Within the department the Health Officers are working inter -
divisionally, particularly with RSD and CDE, around improving capacity, treatment
options, and interfaces between people who use drugs and the jail, hospital, outpatient
medical providers, Lummi Nation, and Opioid Use Disorder treatment providers. Dr.
Thompson recently attended a 2-day addiction medicine conference and is working to
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
rO9 Girard street COMMUNITY Main Line: (364) 778-6000
Bellingham, WA 98225-4005 L SERVICES www.%whatcomcounty.us/health
Page 2 of 39
connect the Swedish Hospital addiction medicine fellowship program and Whatcom
County healthcare institutions. Dr. Harley is working to improve support for pregnant
people, young families, and youth with mental health concerns. The Health Officers are
also convening meetings of medical leadership to increase collaboration and
communication between healthcare institutions in our county.
Communicable Disease: Respiratory virus guidance is evolving to better respond to
the current situation of less severe outcomes from COVID-19, and harmonize COVID
guidance with that around other respiratory infections. These efforts are balanced with
caution around the ongoing deaths and severe disease from COVID-19 illness,
particularly in those over 65 years of age. Still at the forefront is the prevention message
that vaccination continues to significantly reduce health risks from COVID-19. We are
alert to up -trending measles cases nationally this year, with a number of cases within
Washington state among unimmunized adults. We appreciate efforts by healthcare,
schools, childcare and our immunizations nurses to improve measles immunity in our
county through MMR vaccination.
Other work: We continue to engage regularly around communication and media
requests, data presentation and interpretation, collaboration with the Medical
Examiner's office, and the Whatcom Community Health Insights project.
Communicable Disease and Epidemiology (CD&E):
Public health nurses and staff within the CD&E division continue clinical service
outreach and educational events in the community.
Refugee Health: With the assistance of Dr. Amy Harley, we are working with the state
Department of Health and the federal Department of Health and Human Services to
contract with a local community health center in Whatcom County to start offering
Refugee Health Screenings. Refugees who resettle in Whatcom County must travel to
Snohomish County for Refugee Health Screenings. Offering this service locally can
reduce barriers for refugees seeking health services. Reducing barriers to healthcare
access for this population is vital for infectious disease surveillance in the community.
Vaccine Clinics: The immunization team continues to offer monthly vaccine clinics and
clinic appointments to increase access for residents with barriers. The team recently
received an expression of gratitude for their partnership with Hoagland's Pharmacy to
ensure the administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines for residents who are
insured but homebound due to disability or illness. This vulnerable population often has
high barriers to accessing care due to physical disability and high medical risk, which
Page 3 of 39
prevents them from accessing healthcare through traditional methods. From January to
February 2024, we served 54 clients and administered 134 vaccines.
Candida Auris: The Infection Prevention team, in concert with the state Department of
Health, is collaborating with the local hospital and long-term care facilities on
surveillance and infection prevention protocols for Candida Auris. Cases were recently
identified in Washington State. Candida Auris is a multi -drug -resistant fungus that can
cause severe illness and spread within healthcare facilities.
School/Childcare Support: Our Public Health Nurse and Liaison for School and
Childcare Health is collaborating with the state Department of Health on creating a tool
to help schools and childcare facilities standardize reporting of absenteeism for certain
notifiable conditions and facilitate prompt notification of clusters/outbreaks to local
health jurisdictions. The tool will help streamline data collection and reduce the reporting
burden on the public school system.
Syphilis: Syphilis cases continue to trend upward on the local and national levels. The
Sexual Health Provider Education virtual presentation series, which was organized by
CD&E, begins in March. Syphilis is the first of three presentations by expert faculty from
the University of Washington. This virtual education series will help with healthcare
providers' knowledge deficits regarding managing STDs/STIs.
Tuberculosis: The Tuberculosis Team is currently managing five active TB cases. TB
nurses often provide clinical care and case management to medically complex
individuals. The public health nurse went above and beyond duty to contact a patient's
specialty providers to prevent an adverse outcome from the client's reaction to their
cardiac medication. The same client was admitted to the hospital recently. This nurse
collaborated with the hospital case management team to advocate for this client to
receive a home health nurse at discharge.
Drug Testing: The public health nurses in the SSP/Harm Reduction Program have
started rounding with the street medicine outreach team to increase participant
engagement. Collaborating with the University of Washington and the Addiction, Drug,
& Alcohol Institute (ADAI), they have started offering a new service, which is drug
testing to help participants identify potentially harmful substances circulating in the
community. In addition, both public health nurses are participating in the Community -
Law Enforcement Aligning in Response to Substance Use (CLEARS) Project, a one-
year project to develop regional solutions to improve interactions between law
enforcement and people who use drugs.
Community and Organizational Development (COD):
Page 4 of 39
The Community and Organizational Development division facilitates collaboration
across the divisions and provides accurate, meaningful, and timely information, data,
and training. Specialty areas include data, assessment, epidemiology, informatics,
performance management, evaluation, communications, media relations, emergency
preparedness, equity and belonging work, and workforce development. A few key areas
of focus at this time are:
Equity: The newly formed HEAL (Healing -centered, Equity and Leadership) Team
launched on February 29thl This team will receive professional development in trauma -
informed care, healing -centered practices, antiracism and health equity to create
foundational learning in preparation for actionizing health equity. In late Spring, an
organizational climate and care survey will be launched to assess the strengths and
needs of WCHCS.
Performance Management: Quality Improvement (QI) Council launched March 7t"
This is a cross -divisional collaborative team that will execute the Quality Improvement
strategic priority to improve the use of data to drive decision- making, inform
improvements, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. The council will
focus on alignment and standardization of our department's quality improvement efforts,
bring new innovations to the departments' programs, and increase accountability to
leadership and our stakeholders.
Data: A new Child Wellness Survey focused on infants and children ages 6 months to
11 years is being conducted by WA DOH. Typically, the results would be available at a
state -level however, through Healthy Children's Fund, Whatcom County will survey our
county and get data specific to our community. This will allow more meaningful results
that reflect children and their families who live in the county. The survey will ask parents
of children in this age group about the health and development of their child, access to
childcare, and other topics including mental health. Whatcom County will be a model for
other smaller counties in Washington State that would like to have their own county -
specific sample.
Community Health and Human Services (CH&HS):
Retreat: CH&HS held a retreat on January 25th and nearly every staff member of the
now 30+ people in the division were able to attend and share their programs,
commitments and priorities for 2024. This year the focus is on intentional programming
and commitments in our work, to make sustainable long-term impacts. The retreat also
created space for several of our program teams to connect and find ways to collaborate.
Page 5 of 39
The Veterans Program and the Child and Family team met shortly after the retreat and
are now working on ways to support childcare needs for veteran households.
Severe Weather Shelter: The Severe Weather Shelter has officially closed for the
season, as of March 15th. Over the 20 nights that it was open, over 197 unique guests
were served. The shelter was staffed using a pool of 11 temporary staff and 22
permanent Health & Community Services employees. In partnership with the Response
Systems Division, over 730 hours of training were completed for the individuals who
worked or volunteered for the operation. It was a very large lift, and involved staff across
the department, but with 947 utilizations by guests over those 20 nights and 5 days,
many of our vulnerable neighbors kept warm during some life -threatening temperatures.
Youth RFPs: Supporting youth is very much a focus across several of our programs
right now. It is really exciting to have three different Requests for Proposals (RFP) open
to the community with a youth focus. We are seeking proposals ranging from homeless
prevention strategies for families with children 0-5 (closes 3/12), Outreach work focused
on preventing youth from using opioids (closes 4/2) and an opportunity to support
families seeking services and referrals for their children with healthcare needs (closes
4/2). Each of these is an opportunity to prevent further harm or trauma for many of the
youth in the community, and it is exciting to be one step closer to getting programs to
the people and places they are needed most.
Healthy Children's Fund: Over the last month, the Children and Family Programs
have released a Housing Stability RFP, solicited proposals from Doulas to serve
Medicaid eligible pregnant parents and finalized a Basic Needs RFP that will be
released in early April for families with Children 0-5. All funded through the Healthy
Children's Fund. The Child and Family Well Being Task Force will be hosting its first
annual retreat on March 29th, with focus on building a work plan and connection
amongst the group moving into the new year.
Opioids/Behavioral Health: Our Prevention staff continue to support the work of the All
Hands team, and so far in 2024, there have been four successful events. The staff are
also excited as they are just beginning the scoring of the proposals from a recently
closed RFP seeking providers able to offer school based teletherapy in Whatcom
County. This will mean added capacity for youth mental health services in our schools.
Environmental Health (EH):
EH programs focus on protecting groups of people from threats to their health and
safety posed by their environments. EH programs include various sanitation areas such
as food safety, drinking water, on -site sewage and solid waste.
Page 6 of 39
New Leadership: With the recent promotion of an environmental health specialist into a
supervisor position within the division, there has been a shift and reorganization of
programmatic responsibilities. This expansion in leadership will allow for more support
in programs including food safety, living environment, school safety and solid waste.
Smoke and Heat Response: Using Foundational Public Health Services funding, EH is
building a program to support frontline communities during wildfire smoke and extreme
heat events. Several public education events, including at senior centers around the
county, and focused conversations are scheduled in April 2024. This qualitative
assessment will inform the recommendations of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment,
which will be completed June 30, 2024.
Coordinated Water System Plan: The division is leading the Coordinated Water
System Plan update to dovetail with the County's larger Comprehensive Plan update.
Changes and updates to the plan intend to address complex issues such as the impact
of climate change on water systems.
Financial Services:
The Financial & Administrative Services division supports the department by
coordinating financial services such as contract processing, payment processing, grant
billing, payroll processing and other various audit functions.
New Manager: The new Financial Services Manager started February 26' and this
position will coordinate and oversee the daily departmental financial and accounting
activities.
Year End: The Business Office has wrapped up the 2023 financial year end process.
This process included creating grant accountability worksheets for the 33 Federal
Grants ($2.8M) and 51 State Grants ($15.7M) that were reviewed and reconciled.
Contracts: Our Contracts Coordinator is successfully managing 129 active contracts
and 15 Letter of Agreements (LOA's) to help support the $34.2M the department has
budgeted to contractual services in 2024.
Response Systems:
The Response Systems Division (RSD) programs aim to address the needs of individuals
lacking adequate care for behavioral health challenges and basic needs within our
community. These programs seek to alleviate the reliance on emergency services such
Page 7 of 39
as 911, crisis interventions, and the legal system. By implementing innovative approaches
like the Alternative Response Team (ART), Ground -Level Response and Coordinated
Engagement (GRACE) program, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone
Advance with Dignity (LEAD) program, Co -Responder program, Mental Health Court and
Street Medicine Team, we strive to provide comprehensive support to individuals in need
while also enhancing the efficiency of our emergency response and care coordination
systems.
A few program highlights include:
ART: The Alternative Response Team (ART) is fully staffed as of March 4th. ART
continues to respond to 911 calls in lieu of law enforcement when appropriate. In
addition to the ART response team, RSD was able to hire a Behavioral Health Aide who
support ART and community providers with transportation needs. In March, RSD will
report back to County and City of Bellingham councils on how the first year of ART has
gone, what we have learned and where we hope to go.
Co -Response: In partnership with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, the Co -
Responder program is in full swing. With two highly trained and skilled Behavioral
Health (BH) specialists, the team is able to respond with deputies to calls for service
that have a BH concern. Co -Responders are able to bring services and support to
community members in the moment, provide some follow-up and free up deputies to be
available for other calls.
Similar to ART, we are working with a 3rd party evaluator in the pilot year of Co -
Response to assist our community in understanding the need for a Co -Responder
program, areas of growth and data analysis.
In April, staff members from the Co -Responder and GRACE programs will attend the
2nd annual Co -Responder Outreach Alliance of WA conference. This will be an
opportunity to meet with co -responder programs from across WA state.
Page 8 of 39
� 4
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WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
fi COMMUNITY
SERVICES
Ann I
Report
Page 9 of 39
A Letter Frcrn
The Dlrectc.4 r
We live in a different world than five years ago. While many of the most significant impacts of COVID-19 are behind us, new
threats to our health and community have emerged, or become more pronounced. Fentanyl has devastated families, and
in Whatcom County, there has been a nearly 50% increase in overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023. Mental illness, while a
long-term priority, has now reached a crisis level for families, schools and our young people. Key drivers of homelessness
- affordability and accessibility - are worse, while services for the chronically homeless are not keeping pace with the
growing numbers of people living unsheltered. Access to affordable childcare, food, and other basic needs has declined
due to inflation and other economic drivers. The increase in severe weather events and temperatures we're experiencing
are impacting our homes and way of life.
Life has changed for you in these last five years — and it's changed for us, as well. Our department, which serves every
geographic corner of the county in cities and unincorporated communities alike, is a different organization in so many
ways. Coming out of the COVID-19 crisis response, we have been able to utilize our growing number of staff to expand
public health work in our County. Two years ago, we created the Response Systems Division, which brought our crisis
outreach and intensive case management programs in-house. Last year, we launched our new five-year strategic plan
and changed our name to Whatcom County Health and Community Services. Nearly half of our staff now work in human
services or behavioral health, and this change honors the complexity and diversity of our work and commitment to our
community. Through state and federal grants, we've expanded programs in nearly every division in our department. We're
implementing the goals of the Healthy Children's Fund, passed in 2022, and beginning work on designing the behavioral
health components of the Public Health, Safety, and Justice ballot measure passed in 2023. While our team, and budget,
are nearly double what they were just five years ago, only 6% of our revenue comes from the county's general fund. We are
proud to have built programs and services that have gained the trust and financial commitment of outside funders.
Today, the public health system is more visible than it has ever been before. We recognize that for some in our community,
it may be hard to trust government agencies due to both historical traumas and recent challenges. The best way that we
can grow that trust is to earn it. We intend to do that every day by providing timely services with the customer service you
expect, while tackling the important issues that matter to Whatcom County. If we have learned anything in the last several
years, it's that nothing important can be accomplished without the support and collaboration of our partners and our
community. I invite you to move forward with us into a new era for Whatcom County Health and Community Services. We
look forward to working with you, and for you.
In Community,
Erika Lautenbach, MPH
Director, Whatcom County Health and Community Services
Page 10 of 39
page 2 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
. Purpc:tse, Pricritles, Values
ADVANCING EQUITY = PARTNERING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
•
Community
Partnerships &
Engagement
Partner col la boratively to
find community -base
solutions that advanc
health and health equity.
P �00- pRFs�,
0 0
'C W
APOVIDE
Organizational
Inf rastructure
Effectively manage
finances, resources, and
staffing to support a
culture of ethical practice
decision -making and
governance.
•
Workforce
Development
Build and support a
diverse, skilled health anc
human services work-
force while ensuring an
organizational culture
and work environment
that is supportive of staff.
Quality
Management
Use program data to
drive decision -making,
inform ongoing improve-
ments and foster a
culture of transparency
and accountability.
• ConaVorarlon • Compassion • Transparency • Innovation • Service
What We Dre�
The Communicable
Disease and
Epidemiology division
works to stop the spread
of disease. They work to
prevent and investigate
infectious diseases,
provide screenings and
clinical/community
support referrals, and
provide vaccinations and
harm reduction services.
They work to prevent and
control the spread of
communicable diseases
like tuberculosis,
measles, COVID-19,
RSV, influenza, hepatitis
C, HIV, syphilis, MRSA,
and many more.
Programs include:
• Immunizations
• Tuberculosis
• Syringe Services
Program
• Communicable Disease
• Sexual Health
The Community and
Organizational
Development division
provides services that
cross -cut and connect all
divisions within the
department. They help
the department to carry
out its priorities and
projects more effectively
and implement WCHCS's
2023-2027 Strategic
Plan.
Programs include:
• Health Information &
Assessment
• Epidemiology
• Assessment &
Evaluation
• Data & Informatics
• Partnerships & Strategy
• Communications
• Emergency
Preparedness &
Resiliency
• Equity
• Policy
• Workforce Development
The Community
Health & Human
Services division
promotes health and
well-being for everyone
in our community. They
aim to reduce health
disparities and
encourage healthy
behaviors. They offer
services in areas such as
housing, food and
nutrition, and substance
use prevention, as well
as support for children
and families, veterans,
and people with
disabilities.
Programs include:
• Nurse -Family
Partnership
• Food Systems
• Homeless Housing
• Developmental
Disabilities
• Veterans
• Substance use
prevention
• Children with Special
Health Care Needs
• Childcare and Early
Learning
• LatinX Outreach
page 4 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
The Environmental
Health division works to
promote a healthy and
safe environment. They
focus on disease and
injury prevention and
adherence to
environmental health
mandates and
requirements. They
monitor drinking and
recreational water
quality; conduct
restaurant inspections
and monitor food recalls
in order to prevent
foodborne illnesses;
prevent exposure to
hazards like lead,
asbestos, or mold in
homes or school
environments, and much
more.
Programs include:
• Solid Waste
• Food Safety
• School Health & Safety
• Living Environment
• On -site Septic
• Drinking Water
• Climate Change
Response
The Financial and
Administrative
Services division
makes sure services run
smoothly. They provide
customer service to
community members in
accessing information
and resources. They
manage vital records like
birth and death
certificates, permits, and
other health -related
public records. They also
oversee the department
budget, grants and
contracts, and financial
services.
Programs include:
• Community customer
services including vital
records, permitting, and
complaints
• Financial Services and
Contracts
• Internal administrative
services
The Response
Systems division
provides intensive case
management services to
vulnerable community
members. They work
closely with first
responders, healthcare
providers, social
services, and the legal
system to coordinate
services for their clients
and reduce utilization of
emergency services and
incarceration.
Programs include:
• Ground -Level Response
and Coordinated
Engagement (GRACE)
• Law Enforcement
Assisted Diversion
(LEAD)
• Alternative Response
Team (ART)
• Mental Health Court
• Co -Responder program
with Behavioral Health
Sheriff Deputies
• Behavioral health
contracts and
coordination
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report page 5
YAL7 : FF
Behavioral Health Funds
Improve Outcomes for Our
Kids
All seven school districts in Whatcom County provided
behavioral health services in the previous and current school
years using Behavioral Health Funds administered through our
department. All Whatcom County kids benefit from this, with
57% of people served outside Bellingham.
The funds go towards substance use prevention professionals
and programs, mental and behavioral health practitioners,
coordination of community services, and outreach.
Reducing risk in these areas also impacts other `life indicators,'
such as improving school performance and a child's interactions
with family and community.
These services demonstrate:
• Cost savings to the community.
• Improved behavioral health outcomes.
• Referrals and connections to treatment for mental health,
substance use, or both.
• Leveraged resources.
Cost -benefit estimates show that effective school -based
programs can save $18 for every $1 spent.
Wiser Lake: Our year -long data collection effort will
help understand & mitigate harmful algae blooms.
Improving the Health of Wiser
La ke
For the last two years we've been studying the consistent
presence of harmful algae blooms (HABs) at Wiser Lake.
Through a grant from the Washington State Department of
Health, we worked with local groups to collect 12 months of
data - the first step in discovering the cause of HABs.
An additional grant from the Department of Ecology will start in
July and fund analysis of the data we are currently collecting.
Then, we can develop a set of recommendations based on the
results.
For updates on this project, or to sign up for notifications via
email or text, visit https://www.whatcomcounty.us/wiser.
Whatcom County Made Historic Childcare Investments
Last May, Whatcom County awarded $5.8 million in federal
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to create 277 new
early learning slots and preserve 84 existing slots, including
investments in Ferndale, Bellingham, and the Meridian School
District. Awardees include:
• Whatcom Family YMCA Barkley
• Western Washington University's Child Development Center
• Opportunity Council Bellis Project
• Gabriel's Art Kids, Ferndale
• Meridian School District
The County also awarded a $750,000 grant to the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Whatcom County to mitigate financial impacts from the
COVID-19 pandemic after its March 2020 acquisition of Kids'
World.
In addition, with ARPA funding from Whatcom County and the
City of Bellingham, Opportunity Council's Center for Retention
and Expansion of Childcare (C-RECC) has awarded grants to
over 32 local childcare providers, ranging from $10,000 to
$100,000 per provider. With these grants, providers have been
able to raise wages, meet urgent maintenance needs, purchase
supplies, and create enriched early learning environments with
high -quality curriculum and services.
Further funding from Whatcom County has supported
emergency childcare vouchers for families, business leadership
and technical assistance, and professional development
scholarships for childcare workers.
Page 14 of 39
page 6 Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Innovative New Program Provides Alternative to Law
Enforcement for 911 Calls
Last year WCHCS launched Whatcom County's Alternative to respond to the most serious 911 calls. From July through
Response Team (ART), a program that sends behavioral health December 2023, 830 calls to 911 were dispatched directly to
specialists to respond to specific non-violent behavioral health ART. Less than one percent of those calls needed to be referred
911 calls in Bellingham, instead of law enforcement. to law enforcement for back-up support.
ART works to de-escalate tense situations and engage someone
experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Feedback from law
enforcement and other community partners is that most ART
calls have been resolved without additional backup from law
enforcement, and thus freeing up Bellingham Police Officers
Taking Action to Address
the Opioid Crisis in Our
Community
Responding to the opioid crisis in our community continues
to be a WCHCS top priority. Every division at WCHCS is
working to address the opioid crisis by supporting children,
youth, and families facing addiction; preventing overdose
deaths by distributing Naloxone and training community
members on how to use it; working on the street directly with
clients with addiction issues to connect them to housing,
medical care, and other essential services; operating the
Syringe Services Program; providing training and education
regarding fentanyl and other opioids; working to increase
access to treatment and recovery options; advocating
for system -wide improvements; and leading county -wide
prevention coalitions.
In June, the department launched the website
whatcomoverdoseprevention.org, where individuals and
groups can request free Naloxone kits and find information,
resources, and up-to-date local data on the opioid crisis.
In August, WCHCS formed the County -wide Multi -Agency
Coordination (MAC) Group formed to coordinate response
efforts. The MAC group is made up of 70+ organizations and
agencies focused on substance use disorder prevention,
treatment, intervention, and recovery; members include
leaders in healthcare, social services, housing, law
enforcement, courts, EMS, libraries, schools, and tribal
health.
2023 By The Numbers:
For more information, visit the ART webpage at
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/RSD.
(Left to Right) WCHCS Co -Health Officer Dr. Greg
Thompson, Whatcom County EMS Specialist
Steven Cohen and WCHCS Supervisor Lela Riherd
providing information and training at a Sehome
High School community event.
Communicable Disease & Epidemiology
• 734 vaccine outreach events were held - •
i served over 500 clients, more than 7,000
invaccines were administered
• 300 scheduled clinical visits completed
Page 15 of 39
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Provided approximately 725 syringe
services program/harm reduction clinics
and trainings for community partners
page 7
Partnership With Ferndale
Community Services
Supports County Severe
Weather Shelter
Ferndale
• • Community
Services
Serving North Whatcom County
WCHCS manages the county's contract to provide up to
$75,450 to Ferndale Community Services, funded by the
federal American Rescue Plan Act. This local nonprofit
operates the only Whatcom County shelter outside the
city limits of Bellingham. The group's typical service area
includes Ferndale, Custer, Blaine, Birch Bay, Lynden, and
the surrounding unincorporated county areas. This shelter
can accept up to 15 guests and provides shower and laundry
facilities, along with a warm place to sleep during extremely
cold weather.
In addition to the severe weather shelter, Ferndale Community
Services provides year-round support to community members
in need through:
• A Community Resource Center with clothing and
household items
• The Other Bank providing hygiene supplies
• The Utility Fund for help with City of Ferndale water and
sewer bills
• Computer and phone usage
• Housing and job search assistance
• Transportation services
• Shower and laundry referrals
Learn more at https://ferndalecs.org/
2023 By The Numbers:
Environmental Health
Partnership with Local
Veterans Clinic Enhances,
Expands Veterans Services
WCHCS has supported military veterans in Whatcom County
with resource referrals and financial assistance for over a
decade with a single staff member. In 2023, the department
added a second veterans specialist position whose office is
located at the Bellingham's Vet Center.
The Bellingham Vet Center is a one -stop -shop for qualifying
veterans seeking mental health counseling, veteran resources,
and disability benefits/claims processing. Having county
staff co -located in the same building has strengthened the
partnership with Bellingham -based VA employees, maintained
open communication with other veteran service providers, and
increased collaboration with outreach opportunities, in order
to better support veterans in our community. Many Whatcom
County vets served in Vietnam, and many live in rural parts
of the County with limited transportation options. Having two
locations where they can get services (as well as the ability to
connect over email, phone, or text) has helped make services
much more accessible. In 2023, WCHCS staff submitted 1,132
claims on behalf of Whatcom County veterans.
The two veterans staff members at WCHCS have been able to
complement each other's work and support veterans in new
ways, such as presenting to elected officials to educate them
on veterans' needs, providing clinics for Border Patrol staff who
are military veterans, and meet people `where they're at' in
their workplaces. Both staff are veterans, which allows them to
better connect and understand the services and agencies they
work with on bethalf of other veterans.
• Tracked over29,000 onsite sewage
Supported at least 830 individual water systems
connections • Trained 874 homeowners to maintain
Increased access to sewage disposal for their onsite sewage system
over 300 properties
Page 16 of 39
page 8
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
Congratulations to our
Partner, Sustainable
Connections, on 1 Million
Pounds in the Food Recovery
Program
The WCHCS Solid Waste Program provides local nonprofit
Sustainable Connections with $30,000 annually to support the
Food Recovery Program (FRP). This program aims to reduce
food insecurity, divert edible items that would otherwise go into
landfills, and address climate change by redistributing surplus,
nutritious food from local businesses to neighbors experiencing
hunger, rather than sending that food to the landfill.
The program started in 2019 and reached the one million pound
mark in 2023. The FRP is also the umbrella program for the
"Freedge", a refrigerated food pantry located at the RE Store in
Bellingham.
In their 2022-23 annual report, Sustainable Connections
reported that:
• 16 new businesses were recruited to the FRP
• 10 new businesses were consulted in how to to divert their
inedible food to compost instead of landfills
• 3 local events were supported in diverting food and
organics from the landfill.
For more information on the Food Recovery Program, visit
https:Hsustainableconnections.org/tag/foodrecoveryprogram/
Sustainable
Connections
(COMMUN17Y BRIDGE)
® .�
®PEN TODAY
2023 By The Numbers:
Nurse Family Partnership
• 89 families served
• 25 babies born
• 750 home visits and
250 telehealth visits
We held two free drop-off tire recycling events in
2023. We collected an estimated 72,500 tires across
755 loads - several thousand more than in past
years. These events were made possible by funding
from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
....................... y
Care*Van
Caravana de Salud
Care -A -Van Clinics Offer
Free Vaccine Clinics to
Underserved Communities
Care -a -Van Mobile Health Clinics are a partnership between
WCHCS and the State Department of Health to increase access
to health services in rural Whatcom County. Care -A -Van also
partners with tribal nations, elder care facilities, and Western
Washington University to offer free vaccines to people without
health insurance.
In 2023 WCHCS and Care -A -Van co -hosted 13 vaccine clinics
through this program, offering free vaccines for COVID-19, flu,
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Mpox, and routine childhood
vaccines.
2023 Naloxone Distribution
11,824 Naloxone doses distributed in
Whatcom County
Page 17 of 39
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report page 9
Leadership
Erika Lautenbach, Department Director
Dr. Amy Harley, Co -Health Officer
Dr. Greg Thompson, Co -Health Officer
Management
Ann Beck, Community Health & Human
Services
Lynnette Bennett, Community &
Organizational Development
Malora Christensen, Response Systems
Sabrina Houck, Financial Services
Shamika Brooks, Communicable Disease
& Epidemiology
Sue Sullivan, Environmental Health
Advisory Groups
Public Health Advisnry Bnard
Sterling Chick, Chair
Emily O'Connor, Vice Chair
Behavinral Health Advisnry Cnmmittee
Nicholas Evans, Chair
Child & Family Wellbeing Taskfnrce
Christina Jackson, Co -Chair
Ray Deck, Co -Chair
Developmental Disabilities Advisnry
Bnard
Raegen Miller, Co -Chair
Lindsay Foreman -Murray, Co -Chair
Fnnd Systems Cnmmittee
Riley Sweeney, Chair
Margaret Gerard, Vice Chair
Solid Waste Advisnry Cnmmittee
Rodd Pemble, Chair
Brandi Hutton, Co -Chair
Solid Waste Executive Cnmmittee
F Satpal Sidhu, Chair
Veterans Advisnry Bnard
Lynne Graham, Co -Chair
Andrea Vance, Co -Chair
Whatcnm Cnunty Hnusing Advisnry
Cnmmittee
Dan Dunne, Chair
Ashley Thomasson, Vice Chair
Healthy Whatcnm (Community Health
Improvement)
► Financials
•
4.5%
501
7%
8%
39%
35.5%
8%
7%
5%
4.5%
7%
'A`
35.5%
Way Station
Along with our partners, we look forward to opening the doors of
the Way Station this fall. The Way Station, located at 1500 State
Street in Bellingham, will offer respite beds for individuals exiting
the hospital, hygiene services, medical and behavioral health
care and connections, as well as case management and referral
services. These services will be provided by PeaceHealth,
Opportunity Council, and Unity Care NW. The second floor will
co -locate Whatcom County EMS and WCHCS teams including
syringe services, GRACE and LEAD.
Concept illustration of the State Street Way
Station Facility.
Climate Vulnerability
Assessment
Our Environmental Health division is conducting a Climate
Vulnerability Assessment, with plans to release a final report
in Summer 2024. The Climate Vulnerability Assessment, is
specifically focused on extreme heat and wildfire smoke impacts
on the health of residents of Whatcom County. The assessment
will include stakeholder feedback, smoke/heat data analysis,
and results of focus groups with frontline communities on needs
and gaps.
2023 By The Numbers:
Healthy Children's Fund
We expect to release a wide range of Requests for Proposals
(RFPs) to identify service providers who will receive funding
to support the two overarching goals of the Healthy Children's
Fund, passed by voters in 2022: 1) Increase access and
affordability of early learning and care and 2) Provide support
for vulnerable children and families. Selected providers
will make progress on these goals by increasing childcare
slots, providing systems of support for families ranging from
prenatal services to early intervention, as well as addressing
developmental delays, housing concerns, and meeting basic
needs to stabilize families.
Fentanyl response
In 2024, our department will dedicate significant resources
to addressing the fentanyl crisis in our community, including
utilization of opioid settlement funding to provide trainings
and public education about fentanyl, identifying additional
intervention and treatment options for people struggling with
opioid use disorder, and continued coordination with partners
to ensure the most effective delivery of existing and future
services.
Public Health Nurse Sarah Best demonstrates how
to administer Narcon on Overdose Awareness Day
in August 2023.
Financial and Administrative Services
• 8,060 Death Certificates issued ($189,88S • Answered over 9,000 phone calls from
in revenue) the public in 2023.
• 3,99S Birth Certificates issued ($99,87S in • Processed 326 public records requests
revenue)
Page 19 of 39
Whatcom County Health and Community Services 2023 Annual Report
page 11
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND Alk
j� COMMUNITY KIMM
SERVICES
509 Girard Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-778-6000
Fax: 360-778-6001
www.whatcomcounty.us/Health
Front Cover Photo: Randy Rydel, Whatcom County Public Works Department
Rear Cover Photo: Vincent Alvarez, Whatcom County Information Technology Department
- _ qg-e-2S-of3-9
+C'r,OM CO
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
AGENDA ITEM #4: Resolution Declaring the Fentanyl Crisis an Emergency in
Whatcom County and Identifying Approaches to the
Emergency
PRESENTERS: Barry Buchanan and Ben Elenbaas; Co-sponsors of the
resolution
BOARD ACTION: Q Action Item ❑ Discussion ❑ FYI -Only
On February 6, Councilmembers Elenbaas and Buchanan introduced a resolution that would declare the fentanyl
crisis an emergency. This was an additional step following 7-0 passage by Council of resolutions requesting the
President and Governor declare declarations of emergency.
While the declaration was discussed in the Committee of the Whole on February 6, no action was taken, as the
Council wished to talk with stakeholders including relevant county staff and elected officials and outside boards,
commissions, and task forces. Councilmembers met with a variety of stakeholders and used that feedback to create
a new draft.
On March 7, Councilmember Buchanan joined the PHAB meeting to discuss the resolution and gather feedback from
members. A number of PHAB members provided comments and suggestions at the meeting as well as in writing the
following week.
Council co-sponsors have indicated they would like to take a final vote as the Health Board at this meeting. PHAB
members may also choose to take an advisory vote on the resolution.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
Certain populations, including residents who are unsheltered and those with pre-existing behavioral health,
substance use disorder, or history of trauma, are at risk of developing opioid use disorder. Supporting
these populations will impact those most vulnerable to overdose death or poor health outcomes.
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
Pit,
Page 21 of 39SERVICES
Take a final vote on the Resolution.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Resolution AB2024-xxx
Page 22 of 39
flitWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
RESOLUTION NO.
!BENT-IFYI G r+ECLARING THE FENTANYL CRISIS AN EMERGENCY IN WHATCOM
COUNTY
AND IDENTIFYING APPROACHES
TO THE FENT NNI EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
County in 2023 (132) exceeded deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every year
since 2018; and
WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
more potent than heroin; and
WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, our community's approach to fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes must
be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
WHEREAS, the use of fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, businesses,
community members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom:
Opioid Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response
to the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi -
Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
Page 23 of 39
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
in Whatcom County; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
1. Prevent opioid misuse,
2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
evaluate interventions,
5. Support individuals in recovery; and
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
041 supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
Page 24 of 39
WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council adopted the Whatcom County
Justice Project Implementation Plan (Ord. 2023-039), which identifies priority projects vetted by
the community and categorized in five key strategy areas:
I. Ensure Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency
II. Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services
III. Build Facilities Needed to Promote Public Health, Safety, and Justice
IV. Expand the Capacity of Programs to Reduce Incarceration/Re-incarceration
V. Make Systems Changes with Local, Regional, State, and Federal Partners; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
Governor of the State of Washington declare a statewide emergency to address the fentanyl
crisis; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, community leaders, agency staff, and other stakeholders convened in early
2024 to informally discuss near term solutions to address the fentanyl crisis in our community;
and
WHEREAS, Bellingham Mayor Kimberley Lund issued Executive Order 2024-01 on February
20, 2024 to address the fentanyl crisis in Downtown Bellingham; anJW
WHEREAS, this resolution details near term approaches, which are not intended to
replace the long-term approaches detailed in more comprehensive county policy documents.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
communities; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends the following near -term approaches to address the fentanyl crisis:
Government Coordination:
1. Advocate for the declaration of emergencies at state and federal levels, thereby
opening up additional resources to address the crisis.
2. Unite national efforts by encouraging other localgetting as n9any jurisdictions -as
pessible to approve a resolution -to requesting an emergency be declared at the state
and federal levels.
3. Encourage Executive Sidhu to release a County Emergency Declaration or Executive
Order that detailsifrg specific action items and funding
options to intensif r� , one time reserve funds) to jun9p
Page 25 of 39
start efforts,, in alignment wither Opioid Task Force and MAC group
recommendations.
4. Develop a budget and plan to address staffing shortages, positions needed in order to
implement an Emergency Declaration or Executive Order, and action steps requiring
funding.
S-;—may-
fr5. Using whatcomoverdoseprevention.org website and Council Committee of the
Whole, provide regular updates to the public on progress of action steps, outcomes of
efforts, and funds expended on initiatives.
Accountability and Data Collection :
6Advocate for a -legislative changes that strengthen laws regarding children's exposure
to fentanyl, Ricky's law, and other related measures. fi)( feF the legal inability te issue
4 7. Enhance legal methods to address fenta nyl -related crimes, distinguish fentan ll
related crimes from other drug crimes, and offer treatment and recovery options in lieu
of lengthy sentences when appropriate.
ehmid
--.—Request that Sheriff and local police to track data on utilization of Medication Assisted
Treatment (MAT) in jail and what arrests do not end inwhe us net geing te jail time
because of booking restrictions.
� • Y[�� \�1�1 I��l�ll��� J`��l �i� 1►1R►���1: � Ill��i1
6--.9. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable; interrupt overdose cycle and connect
individuals to treatment and services; and.
-- - -- ---- - -- -- - - - - -- - -
--- -- -- ---- -- - --- -- - -- - --
-- -- - - -- - -- -- - -- -- --- -
- - :1•wiio-r�:��w �uuuu�w:�� �•i�:. - - - - - - - - -
- - - �� - - - - - - Il�iilJ!T-7 - - - • - - r
IVA
FA
Page 26 of 39
11
• 11
•
M
WE
■ I � 1/
Mill
1
Rieky's Law.
y^ '}
veluntaFy tFeatn9ent whole waiting for sentencing, PFeVide access to tFeatn9ent ins
he Ja"'
juveniles,
26. Fund hiring and lengevity ineentives (benHses) f8F eeFreetmenal deputies On eFdeF te fill
staffing vacancies in the jai' facility.
MAMAS
W
1.00
.
NaFEetie
Aleehelies
., / / /
eeunseling)
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends thi—_ Whatcom County Elected officials such as the Executive, Prosecutor, and Sheriff,
consider items in Exhibit A for One'usmen inExeeutmv, 4Fd-... �- future action; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
respectfully requests that the Executive, Sheriff, local municipalities, and other community
partners consider their roles and take action to move forward the aforementioned near -term
approaches to address the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this day of , 2024.
Page 27 of 39
ATTEST:
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair
Page 28 of 39
EXHIBIT A
During stakeholder meetings to refine and develop the Council's resolution, members heard the
following suggestions, ideas, and requests for action.
Council requests that the Executive consider these exhibit items for potential inclusion in an
Executive Declaration of Emergency or Order.
1. Fund and employ narcotics -detection dogs to keep drugs out of the jail.
2. Expand the ability to use test strips beyond Health and Community Services to law
enforcement and first responders.
3. Provide additional training on common and emerging illicit drugs to police for improved
response and identification of fentanyl and other drugs.
4. Identify potential modifications to booking restrictions in the jail and develop
operational plans to address inmate increases.
5. Encourage using Strict Legal measures to address maior crimes and offenses related to
fentanyl, for distribution.
6. Provide more opportunities for youth diversion, especially for people ages 18-25 years
old.
7. Evaluate alternative court programs for higher utilization and capacity.
8. Identify options and funding sources to provide more lower cost housing and creative
housing solutions.
9. Fund and launch a multi -jurisdictional, multi -language public education program,
including youth public education.
10. Consider the benefits and potential local applications of the Icelandic Model, a
community -based approach to substance use that decreases the likelihood of
adolescent substance use by strengthening the supportive role of parents and schools
and the network of opportunities around them.
11. Provide training for healthcare providers and first responders on the benefits of and
how to administer Medication -assisted treatment.
12. Increase funding for treatment programs to increase availability of detox beds,, provide
voluntary treatment while waiting for sentencing, provide access to treatment in lieu of
sentencing.
13. Provide additional resources for recovery court, including a secure facility other than
the jail.
14. Ensure services are available for juveniles, not just adults.
15. Ensure medically assisted treatment (MAT) offerings inside the jail match community -
based options.
16. Provide support and training for first responders and behavioral health staff dealing
with trauma and burnout related to overdose responses.
17. Create and implement an overdose response team.
18. Support efforts by Lummi Nation to build a Secure Withdrawal Management and
Stabilization (SWMS) facility.
19. Analyze options for expanding the Alternative Response Team, including providing 24-
hour responses.
20. Provide programs in the jail (e.g., Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, GED,
counseling)
Page 29 of 39
AGENDA ITEM #5
PRESENTERS:
BOARD ACTION:
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
Action Plan — Fentanyl Response
Executive's office
❑ Action Item Q Discussion
❑ FYI - Only
While Whatcom County government has taken many steps to address opioids locally, the urgency of the
issue requires new strategies, both new and re -prioritized funding, and more immediate action across the
prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare/recovery continuum.
The Executive appreciates Council's leadership in bringing the urgency of the fentanyl crisis further into the
public sphere, enhancing coordination amongst different branches and levels of government, and engaging
in thoughtful work with stakeholders.
We want to be responsive to any Health Board action and are working with Health & Community Services,
the Sheriff's OfficelDEM, and EMS on assembling a set of actions that can be implemented quickly for
maximum impact, consistent with recommendations from the MAC group and the Whatcom County Justice
Project Implementation Plan.
This is an opportunity to discuss at a high-level the types of actions the community can expect to see.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
Certain populations, including residents who are unsheltered and those with pre-existing behavioral health,
substance use disorder, or history of trauma, are at risk of developing opioid use disorder. Supporting
these populations will impact those most vulnerable to overdose death or poor health outcomes.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
Provide high level feedback on concept or actions.
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
niiL COMMUNITY
Page 30 of 39 SERVICES
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
Page 31 of 39
flitWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
AGENDA ITEM #6: Whatcom Community Health Insights
PRESENTERS: Amy Hockenberry, Health Information and Assessment
Supervisor and Dr. Chris Laugen, Epidemiologist, Whatcom
County Health and Community Services
BOARD ACTION: ❑ Action Item ❑ Discussion Q FYI - Only
The Whatcom Community Health Insights (WCHI) is a web -based platform to share local data, trends, and
comparisons with Washington State and National averages. It will include stratification by subpopulations
when possible and will provide links to relevant resources and community partners working to address the
issue.
The purpose of the WCHI is to:
• Provide meaningful & easily accessible population health data for Whatcom County;
• Give community partners, elected officials, and other community groups easy access to current
data on an ongoing basis;
• Help inform partners' planning, decision -making, grant applications, etc.; and
• Increase transparency in sharing public health data.
Staff will provide an overview and a preview of the tool, which will be released in early April.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
The WCHI will both stratify subpopulations by race/ethnicity, age, geography, etc., when possible, it will
also highlight disparities among populations to advance equity and prompt community action.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
None.
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
njiL COMMUNITY
Page 32 of 39 SERVICES
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
Page 33 of 39
flitWHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
AGENDA ITEM #7
PRESENTERS:
BOARD ACTION:
HEALTH BOARD
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Discussion Form
March 26, 2024
Healthy Children's Fund update
Erika Lautenbach, Health and Community Services Director
❑ Action Item E1 Discussion ❑FYI - Only
Whatcom County Health & Community Services (WCHCS) staff will present a brief update on the
implementation of the Healthy Children's Fund (HCF).
In the 2022 general election, voters in Whatcom County approved Proposition 5, the Healthy Children's
Fund, a property tax measure estimated to raise approximately $9.98M each year for 10 years, for
investments in early learning and care and vulnerable families.
There are 10 strategies contained in the implementation plan, and this briefing will focus on the strategies
staff are prioritizing for RFPs, cooperative agreements, and contracts. The briefing will also discuss the
current funding opportunities and the forthcoming opportunities in both the early learning and care and the
vulnerable children and families categories.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
(include data or information about how topic impacts or could impact equity,
including racial equity)
The priorities of the Healthy Children's Fund will advance geographic, economic, and racial equity for
young children and their families.
BOARD ROLE / ACTION REQUESTED
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Slide Presentation
WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH AND
njiL COMMUNITY
Page 34 of 39 SERVICES
3/21 /2024
Investing in early childhood_
• 90% of human brain development happens befores the age of 5.
• Only 50% of kinds in Whatcom County enter kindergarten fully ready to learn
• Children who attend high -quality early learning & care are more likely to be on
track with their reading skills by third grade and graduate high school and attend
college, technical school, or training program that lead to good jobs as adults.
• Whatcom County has 5000 fewer early learning & care slots than we need,
especially in rural areas.
■ Over 85% of Whatcom County businesses report staffing challenges from lack
of early learning and care.
■ For every dollar invested in early childhood programs, between $7 and $13 are
saved through benefits like lower incarceration rates and lower healthcare costs.
Page 35 of 39
3/21 /2024
Healthy Children's Fund
+ Affordable 14
• Accessible
High Quality
• Professional
r"'k
• Expand mental and behavioral
health services
• Prevent and reduce
homelessness
M_ Support for parents/caregivers
Year 1 & 2 Fund Priorities
Early Learning and Care
• Small Capital Projects
• Professional Development
• Subsidies
• Workforce Expansion & Retention
■ Hubs
a Innovative Strategies
Vulnerable Children
a Behavioral Health
• Housing
• Early Parenting Supports
• Resource Navigation
2
Page 36 of 39
3/21 /2024
Healthy Children's Fund: Expected Timeline*
2023 2024 2025
Infrastructure Built
Initial Proj $
April -December 2023
February -March 2024
Implementation Team formed
Staff hued
Processes/policies deyela
Development of Initial Strategies
Initial
July -October 2023
April
Funding mechanisms and
-June
logistics designed
Strategy prioritization timeline pub�ished
Implementation
Plan Approved
March 2023
Initi l Funding Advertised
0clvhei 2023•January 2024
Rchok assistance available
aWrear aiM communication to providers
Ann al Report and
Implemen tian Update
March 2024
Evaluation, rununicailvn., and
Community Engngcn_ pl um published
Selected
Bi-annual Evaluation
Late 2025
cts Executed 01
Process Evaluation Annual Report i
Report Implementation
December 2024
Plan for Years 3
March 2025
ARPA Funding -Birth to 5
Council -directed ARPA funding
• Capital Funding and Expansion
• Stabilization and Emergency Childcare Vouchers
• Home -based childcare businesses
• Second Round of Capital Funding
Page 37 of 39
3/21 /2024
Early Learning & Care Projects ( "i
Strategy #1.• Small Capital Grants
Cap t
Strategy #2: Pathways to a Stable EL&C
Workforce
Strategy #3 & 4: Subsidies and Workforce
Strategy #5: Create Regional Hubs
Strategy #6: Innovative Projects
Vulnerable Children Projects
I �
Strategy #7. Behavioral Health Workforce
Recruitment
Strategy #8: Housing/Homelessness
Strategy #9: Expand and Enhance Early Parenting
Supports
Strategy #10: Expand and Enhance Early
Parenting Support
M
Page 38 of 39
3/21 /2024
What's Coming
Evaluation, Communications, and Community Engagement Plans
• RFPs and Contracts for nearly every strategy
• Planning process for next implementation plan (due March 2025)
* Performance Audit
Questions?
Learn more and sign-up for updates at
https:ffwww.whatcomcounty.us/4069/HeaLthy-
ChiLdrens-Fund
Page 39 of 39
5
• Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
• Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2024-090
File ID: AB2024-090 Version: 1 Status: Substitute Approved
File Created: 01/12/2024 Entered by: CHalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Committee of the Whole Final Action: 04/09/2024
Agenda Date: 04/09/2024 Enactment #: RES 2024-017
Primary Contact Email: chalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the fentanyl emergency
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the fentanyl emergency
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
02/06/2024 Council Committee of the Whole FORWARDED TO COUNCIL
WITH RECOMMENDED
MOTION(S)
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 Byrd
02/06/2024 Council DISCUSSED AND
MOTION(S) APPROVED
03/26/2024 Council as the Health Board REFERRED TO Council Committee of the Whole
COMMITTEE
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Byrd
04/09/2024 Council Committee of the Whole RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL WITH
PROPOSED
AMENDMENT(S)
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 4/21/2025
Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2024-090)
Nay: 0
04/09/2024 Council SUBSTITUTE APPROVED
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Attachments: Agenda Bill Report, Approved Resolution 2024-017, Proposed Resolution, Substitute Revised
Resolution for 4.9.2024 as Amended in Committee, Revised Resolution for 4.9.2024, Revised
Resolution for 3.26.2024 Health Board - staff input, Alternate Resolution for 3.26.2024 Health
Board, Letter - Riveters Collective
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 4/21/2025
Whatcom County
Agenda Bill Report
File Number: AB2024-090
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
File ID: AB2024-090 Version: 1 Status: Substitute Approved
File Created: 01/12/2024 Entered by: CHalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Committee of the Whole Final Action: 04/09/2024
Agenda Date: 04/09/2024 Enactment #: RES 2024-017
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: chalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the fentanyl emergency
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the fentanyl emergency
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action:
Sent To:
02/06/2024 Council Committee of the Whole FORWARDED TO COUNCIL
WITH RECOMMENDED
MOTION(S)
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 Byrd
02/06/2024 Council DISCUSSED AND
MOTION(S) APPROVED
03/26/2024 Council as the Health Board REFERRED TO Council Committee of the Whole
COMMITTEE
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Byrd
04/09/2024 Council Committee of the Whole RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL WITH
PROPOSED
AMENDMENT(S)
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 411012024
Agenda Bill Report Continued (AB2024-090)
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
04/09/2024 Council SUBSTITUTE APPROVED
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Attachments: Proposed Resolution, Revised Resolution for 4.9.2024 as Amended in Committee, Revised
Resolution for 4.9.2024, Revised Resolution for 3.26.2024 Health Board - staff input, Alternate
Resolution for 3.26.2024 Health Board, Letter - Riveters Collective
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 411012024
Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Report
File Number: AB2024-090
File ID: AB2024-090 Version: 1 Status: Substitute Approved
File Created: 01/12/2024 Entered by: CHalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Committee of the Whole Final Action: 04/09/2024
Agenda Date: 04/09/2024 Enactment #: RES 2024-017
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: chalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the fentanyl emergency
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Resolution identifying Whatcom County approaches to the fentanyl emergency
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
02/06/2024 Council Committee of the Whole FORWARDED TO COUNCIL
WITH RECOMMENDED
MOTION(S)
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 Byrd
02/06/2024 Council DISCUSSED AND
MOTION(S) APPROVED
03/26/2024 Council as the Health Board REFERRED TO Council Committee of the Whole
COMMITTEE
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Byrd
04/09/2024 Council Committee of the Whole RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL WITH
PROPOSED
AMENDMENT(S)
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 411012024
Agenda Bill Report Continued (AB2024-090)
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
04/09/2024 Council SUBSTITUTE APPROVED
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Attachments: Proposed Resolution, Revised Resolution for 4.9.2024 as Amended in Committee, Revised
Resolution for 4.9.2024, Revised Resolution for 3.26.2024 Health Board - staff input, Alternate
Resolution for 3.26.2024 Health Board, Letter - Riveters Collective
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 411012024
PROPOSED BY: _BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-017
RECOGNIZING THE FENTANYL CRISIS AS AN EMERGENCY IN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
IDENTIFYING APPROACHES TO THE EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
County in 2023 (132) exceeded deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every year
since 2018; and
WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
more potent than heroin; and
WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, our community's approach to fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes must
be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
WHEREAS, the use of fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
WHERAS, involuntarily displacement of people experiencing homelessness is estimated to
worsen overdose and hospitalizations, decrease initiations of medications for opioid use disorder,
and contribute to deaths among people experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, the housing crisis in Whatcom County limits access and availability to safe,
secure, supportive, and affordable housing which is essential for stability, recovery, sobriety, and
preventing drug use and overdose; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, businesses,
community members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom:
Opioid Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response
to the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi -
Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
in Whatcom County; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
1. Prevent opioid misuse,
2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
evaluate interventions,
5. Support individuals in recovery; and
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
041 supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council adopted the Whatcom County
Justice Project Implementation Plan (Ord. 2023-039), which identifies priority projects vetted by
the community and categorized in five key strategy areas:
I. Ensure Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency
II. Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services
III. Build Facilities Needed to Promote Public Health, Safety, and Justice
IV. Expand the Capacity of Programs to Reduce Incarceration/Re-incarceration
V. Make Systems Changes with Local, Regional, State, and Federal Partners; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
Governor of the State of Washington declare a statewide emergency to address the fentanyl
crisis; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, community leaders, agency staff, and other stakeholders convened in early
2024 to informally discuss near term solutions to address the fentanyl crisis in our community;
and
WHEREAS, Bellingham Mayor Kimberley Lund issued Executive Order 2024-01 on February
20, 2024 to address the fentanyl crisis in Downtown Bellingham; and
WHEREAS, this resolution details near term approaches, which are not intended to
replace the long-term approaches detailed in more comprehensive county policy documents.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
communities; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends the following near -term approaches to address the fentanyl crisis:
Government Coordination:
1. Advocate for the declaration of emergencies at state and federal levels, thereby
opening up additional resources to address the crisis.
2. Unite national efforts by encouraging other local jurisdictions to approve a resolution
requesting an emergency be declared at the state and federal levels.
3. Encourage Executive Sidhu to release an Executive Order with action plan that details
specific action items and funding options to intensify efforts, in alignment with Opioid
Task Force and MAC group recommendations.
4. Develop a budget and plan to address staffing shortages, positions needed in order to
implement an Executive Order with action plan, and action steps requiring funding.
5. Using whatcomoverdoseprevention.org website and Council Committee of the Whole,
provide regular updates to the public on progress of action steps, outcomes of efforts,
and funds expended on initiatives.
Accountability and Data Collection:
6. Advocate for legislative changes that strengthen laws regarding children's exposure to
fentanyl, Ricky's law, and other related measures.
7. Enhance legal methods to address fentanyl-related crimes, distinguish fentanyl related
crimes from other drug crimes, and offer treatment and recovery options in lieu of
lengthy sentences when appropriate.
8. Request that Sheriff and local police to track data on utilization of Medication Assisted
Treatment (MAT) in jail and what arrests do not end in jail time because of booking
restrictions.
9. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable; interrupt overdose cycle and connect individuals
to treatment and services; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends Whatcom County Elected officials such as the Executive, Prosecutor, and Sheriff,
consider items in Exhibit A for future action; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
respectfully requests that the Executive, Sheriff, local municipalities, and other community
partners consider their roles and take action to move forward near -term approaches to address
the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this 9th day of April 2024.
ATTEST: 0C.
a ��
�e
Danaa Wn vis,¢¢, ' of the Council
APPROy, D AS. .
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
V
COUNT , WASHINGTON
nan, Council Chair
EXHIBIT A
During stakeholder meetings to refine and develop the Council's resolution, members heard the
following suggestions, ideas, and requests for action.
Council requests that the Executive consider these exhibit items for potential inclusion in an
Executive Order with action plan.
1. Fund and employ narcotics -detection dogs to keep drugs out of the jail.
2. Expand the ability to use test strips beyond Health and Community Services to law
enforcement and first responders.
3. Provide additional training on common and emerging illicit drugs to police for improved
response and identification of fentanyl and other drugs.
4. Identify potential modifications to booking restrictions in the jail and develop
operational plans to address inmate increases.
5. Encourage using strict legal measures to address major crimes and offenses related to
fentanyl.
6. Provide more opportunities for youth diversion, especially for people ages 18-25 years
old.
7. Evaluate alternative court programs for higher utilization and capacity.
8. Identify options and funding sources to provide more lower cost housing and creative
housing solutions.
9. Fund and launch a multi -jurisdictional, multi -language public education program,
including youth public education.
10. Consider the benefits and potential local applications of the Icelandic Model, a
community -based approach to substance use that decreases the likelihood of
adolescent substance use by strengthening the supportive role of parents and schools
and the network of opportunities around them.
11. Provide training for healthcare providers and first responders on the benefits of and
how to administer Medication -assisted treatment.
12.Increase funding for treatment programs to increase availability of detox beds, provide
voluntary treatment while waiting for sentencing, provide access to treatment in lieu of
sentencing.
13. Provide additional resources for recovery court, including a secure facility other than
the jail.
14. Ensure services are available for juveniles, not just adults.
15. Ensure medically assisted treatment (MAT) offerings inside the jail match community -
based options.
16. Provide support and training for first responders and behavioral health staff dealing
with trauma and burnout related to overdose responses.
17.Create and implement an overdose response team.
18. Support efforts by Lummi Nation to build a Secure Withdrawal Management and
Stabilization (SWMS) facility.
19.Analyze options for expanding the Alternative Response Team, including providing 24-
hour responses.
20. Provide programs in the jail (e.g., Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, GED,
counseling).
21.Create a publicly accessible monitoring and evaluation system to track goals,
outcomes, and data regarding Whatcom County's response to the fentanyl emergency.
22. Expand the community paramedics program.
23.Identify options to expand supportive housing programs and re-entry housing for
people seeking substance use disorder treatment who have a history of incarceration.
24. Explore partnerships with neighboring SWISS counties, Whatcom County cities, Lummi
Nation, Nooksack Tribe, North Sound ACH, state, and federal agencies to fund a
coordinated response to the fentanyl emergency.
25. Study new local sources of revenue to fund Whatcom County's response to the fentanyl
emergency.
26. Explore additional substance use disorder treatment options for pre- and postpartum
patients.
27. Continue to work with the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force to
identify policy options to reduce and prevent incarceration.
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PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
RESOLUTION NO.
IDENTIFYING WHATCOM COUNTY APPROACHES
TO THE FENTANYL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
County in 2023 (132 to date) exceed deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every
year since 2018; and
WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
more potent than heroin; and
WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, our community's approach to the fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes
must be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
WHEREAS, the use of Fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, community
members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom: Opioid
Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response to the
devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
1 WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
2 organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi-
3 Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
4
5 WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
6 Multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
7 occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
8
9 WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
10 response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
11 strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
12 in Whatcom County; and
13
14 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
15 Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
16 1. Prevent opioid misuse,
17 2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
18 3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
19 4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
20 evaluate interventions,
21 5. Support individuals in recovery; and
22
23 WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
24 Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
25
26 WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
27 and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
28 local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
29 internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
30 safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
31
32 WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
33 041 supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
34 response to the fentanyl crisis; and
35
36 WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
37 Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
38 epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
39
40 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
41 in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
1
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WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
Governor of the State of Washington declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis;
and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
communities; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends the following approaches to the fentanyl crisis:
1. Request official declarations of emergency.
a. Request that both state and federal emergency declarations be made to expand
efforts and open up additional resources and tools to protect the lives, public
health, and safety of our community members
b. Request that the Whatcom County Executive in coordination with the County
Sheriff, declare a countywide emergency for fentanyl in accordance with the
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) allowing the following:
i. Entering into contracts and incurring obligations necessary to combat
such emergency situations to protect the health and safety of persons;
and
ii. Providing appropriate emergency assistance to victims, and
iii. Other actions deemed appropriate by the Health Officer and Director of
Emergency Management or their designees.
2. Enhance legal methods to address fentanyl-related crimes.
a. Encourage using the full force of the law to address major crimes and offenses
related to fentanyl;
b. Request that the judicial branch and courts impose the strictest sentences
available for fentanyl related crimes;
c. Request that the judicial branch and courts offer treatment and recovery
options in lieu of lengthy sentences when appropriate and effective to persuade
people to choose treatment over punishment;
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d. Request that the Whatcom County Prosecutor utilize their power and discretion
to prioritize the prosecution of fentanyl-related crimes and seek strict
sentences;
e. Advocate at the state and federal levels to increase sentencing for fentanyl-
related crimes above and beyond levels for other drug crimes.
3. Provide staffing and financial resources to local efforts.
a. Prioritize county staff and financial resources to address the fentanyl crisis; and
b. Explore options to expand navigator programs to increase efforts on overdose
prevention; and
c. Provide full support to the MAC group working on the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this day of , 2024.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/s/ Royce Buckingham/by email 1/9/2023/ch
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair
Health Board edits 3/26/2024
Additional'lits received after Health Board
Amended in Committee of the Whole 4.9.2024
PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
RESOLUTION NO.
DEGLARING RECOGNIZING THE FENTANYL CRISIS AN EMERGENCY IN WHATCOM
COUNTY
AND IDENTIFYING APPROACHES TO THE EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
County in 2023 (132) exceeded deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every year
since 2018; and
WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
more potent than heroin; and
WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, our community's approach to fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes must
be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
WHEREAS, the use of fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
WHERAS, involuntarily displacement of people experiencing homelessness is estimated to
worsen overdose and hospitalizations, decrease initiations of medications for opioid use disorder,
and contribute to deaths among people experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, the housing crisis in Whatcom County limits access and availability to safe,
secure, supportive, and affordable housing which is essential for stability, recovery, sobriety, and
preventing drug use and overdose; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, businesses,
community members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom:
Opioid Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response
to the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi -
Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
in Whatcom County; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
1. Prevent opioid misuse,
2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
evaluate interventions,
5. Support individuals in recovery; and
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
04E supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council adopted the Whatcom County
Justice Project Implementation Plan (Ord. 2023-039), which identifies priority projects vetted by
the community and categorized in five key strategy areas:
I. Ensure Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency
II. Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services
III. Build Facilities Needed to Promote Public Health, Safety, and Justice
IV. Expand the Capacity of Programs to Reduce Incarceration/Re-incarceration
V. Make Systems Changes with Local, Regional, State, and Federal Partners; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
Governor of the State of Washington declare a statewide emergency to address the fentanyl
crisis; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, community leaders, agency staff, and other stakeholders convened in early
2024 to informally discuss near term solutions to address the fentanyl crisis in our community;
and
WHEREAS, Bellingham Mayor Kimberley Lund issued Executive Order 2024-01 on February
20, 2024 to address the fentanyl crisis in Downtown Bellingham; and
WHEREAS, this resolution details near term approaches, which are not intended to
replace the long-term approaches detailed in more comprehensive county policy documents.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
communities; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends the following near -term approaches to address the fentanyl crisis:
Government Coordination:
1. Advocate for the declaration of emergencies at state and federal levels, thereby
opening up additional resources to address the crisis.
2. Unite national efforts by encouraging other local jurisdictions to approve a resolution
requesting an emergency be declared at the state and federal levels.
3. Encourage Executive Sidhu to release an Geunty EngeFgency Deelaratien eF Executive
Order with action plan that -details specific action items and funding options to
intensify- efforts, in alignment with Opioid Task Force and MAC group
recommendations.
4. Develop a budget and plan to address staffing shortages, positions needed in order to
implement an Engergeney DeelaFatien Executive Order with action plan, and action
steps requiring funding.
5. Using whatcomoverdoseprevention.org website and Council Committee of the Whole,
provide regular updates to the public on progress of action steps, outcomes of efforts,
and funds expended on initiatives.
Accountability and Data Collection:
6. Advocate for legislative changes that strengthen laws regarding children's exposure to
fentanyl, Ricky's law, and other related measures.
7. Enhance legal methods to address fentanyl-related crimes, distinguish fentanyl related
crimes from other drug crimes, and offer treatment and recovery options in lieu of
lengthy sentences when appropriate.
8. Request that Sheriff and local police to track data on utilization of Medication Assisted
Treatment (MAT) in jail and what arrests do not end in jail time because of booking
restrictions.
9. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable; interrupt overdose cycle and connect individuals
to treatment and services; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends Whatcom County Elected officials such as the Executive, Prosecutor, and Sheriff,
consider items in Exhibit A for future action; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
respectfully requests that the Executive, Sheriff, local municipalities, and other community
partners consider their roles and take action to move forward near -term approaches to address
the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this day of , 2024.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair
EXHIBIT A
During stakeholder meetings to refine and develop the Council's resolution, members heard the
following suggestions, ideas, and requests for action.
Council requests that the Executive consider these exhibit items for potential inclusion in an
Executive Order with action plan.
1. Fund and employ narcotics -detection dogs to keep drugs out of the jail.
2. Expand the ability to use test strips beyond Health and Community Services to law
enforcement and first responders.
3. Provide additional training on common and emerging illicit drugs to police for improved
response and identification of fentanyl and other drugs.
4. Identify potential modifications to booking restrictions in the jail and develop
operational plans to address inmate increases.
5. Encourage using strict legal measures to address major crimes and offenses related to
fentanyl, fee diSt_ibUtOOH
6. Provide more opportunities for youth diversion, especially for people ages 18-25 years
old.
7. Evaluate alternative court programs for higher utilization and capacity.
8. Identify options and funding sources to provide more lower cost housing and creative
housing solutions.
9. Fund and launch a multi -jurisdictional, multi -language public education program,
including youth public education.
10. Consider the benefits and potential local applications of the Icelandic Model, a
community -based approach to substance use that decreases the likelihood of
adolescent substance use by strengthening the supportive role of parents and schools
and the network of opportunities around them.
11. Provide training for healthcare providers and first responders on the benefits of and
how to administer Medication -assisted treatment.
12. Increase funding for treatment programs to increase availability of detox beds, provide
voluntary treatment while waiting for sentencing, provide access to treatment in lieu of
sentencing.
13. Provide additional resources for recovery court, including a secure facility other than
the jail.
14. Ensure services are available for juveniles, not just adults.
15. Ensure medically assisted treatment (MAT) offerings inside the jail match community -
based options.
16. Provide support and training for first responders and behavioral health staff dealing
with trauma and burnout related to overdose responses.
17. Create and implement an overdose response team.
18. Support efforts by Lummi Nation to build a Secure Withdrawal Management and
Stabilization (SWMS) facility.
19. Analyze options for expanding the Alternative Response Team, including providing 24-
hour responses.
20. Provide programs in the jail (e.g., Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, GED,
counseling)
Create a publicly accessible monitoring and evaluation system to track goals,
outcomes, and data regarding Whatcom County's response to the fentanyl emergency
21. Expand the community paramedics program.
22. Identify optio portive housing programs and re-entry housing for
people seeking 'suTsTaaFrWeAsksorder treatment who have a history of incarceration.
23. Explore partnerships with neiqTboring SWISS counties, Whatcom County cities, Lummi
Nation, Nooksack Tribe, North Sound ACH, state, and federal agencies to fund a
coordinated response to the fentanyl emergency
24. Study new local sources of revenue to fund Whatcom County's response to the fentanyl
emergency
25. Explore additional substance use disorder treatment options for pre- and postpartum
patients
26. Continue to work with the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force to
identify_ policy options to reduce and prevent incarceration
Health Board edits 3/26/2024
after Health Board
PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
RESOLUTION NO.
DEGLARING RECOGNIZING THE FENTANYL CRISIS AN EMERGENCY IN WHATCOM
COUNTY
AND IDENTIFYING APPROACHES TO THE EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
County in 2023 (132) exceeded deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every year
since 2018; and
WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
more potent than heroin; and
WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, our community's approach to fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes must
be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
WHEREAS, the use of fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, businesses,
community members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom:
Opioid Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response
to the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi -
Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
in Whatcom County; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
1. Prevent opioid misuse,
2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
evaluate interventions,
5. Support individuals in recovery; and
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
04E supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council adopted the Whatcom County
Justice Project Implementation Plan (Ord. 2023-039), which identifies priority projects vetted by
the community and categorized in five key strategy areas:
I. Ensure Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency
II. Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services
III. Build Facilities Needed to Promote Public Health, Safety, and Justice
IV. Expand the Capacity of Programs to Reduce Incarceration/Re-incarceration
V. Make Systems Changes with Local, Regional, State, and Federal Partners; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
Governor of the State of Washington declare a statewide emergency to address the fentanyl
crisis; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, community leaders, agency staff, and other stakeholders convened in early
2024 to informally discuss near term solutions to address the fentanyl crisis in our community;
and
WHEREAS, Bellingham Mayor Kimberley Lund issued Executive Order 2024-01 on February
20, 2024 to address the fentanyl crisis in Downtown Bellingham; and
WHEREAS, this resolution details near term approaches, which are not intended to
replace the long-term approaches detailed in more comprehensive county policy documents.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
communities; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends the following near -term approaches to address the fentanyl crisis:
Government Coordination:
1. Advocate for the declaration of emergencies at state and federal levels, thereby
opening up additional resources to address the crisis.
2. Unite national efforts by encouraging other local jurisdictions to approve a resolution
requesting an emergency be declared at the state and federal levels.
3. Encourage Executive Sidhu to release an Geunty Engergeney Deelaratien eF Executive
Order with action plan that -details specific action items and funding options to
intensify- efforts, in alignment with Opioid Task Force and MAC group
recommendations.
4. Develop a budget and plan to address staffing shortages, positions needed in order to
implement an EffieFgeney DeelaFatien Executive Order with action plan, and action
steps requiring funding.
5. Using whatcomoverdoseprevention.org website and Council Committee of the Whole,
provide regular updates to the public on progress of action steps, outcomes of efforts,
and funds expended on initiatives.
Accountability and Data Collection:
6. Advocate for legislative changes that strengthen laws regarding children's exposure to
fentanyl, Ricky's law, and other related measures.
7. Enhance legal methods to address fentanyl-related crimes, distinguish fentanyl related
crimes from other drug crimes, and offer treatment and recovery options in lieu of
lengthy sentences when appropriate.
8. Request that Sheriff and local police to track data on utilization of Medication Assisted
Treatment (MAT) in jail and what arrests do not end in jail time because of booking
restrictions.
9. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable; interrupt overdose cycle and connect individuals
to treatment and services; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends Whatcom County Elected officials such as the Executive, Prosecutor, and Sheriff,
consider items in Exhibit A for future action; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
respectfully requests that the Executive, Sheriff, local municipalities, and other community
partners consider their roles and take action to move forward near -term approaches to address
the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this day of , 2024.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair
EXHIBIT A
During stakeholder meetings to refine and develop the Council's resolution, members heard the
following suggestions, ideas, and requests for action.
Council requests that the Executive consider these exhibit items for potential inclusion in an
Executive Deelai=atien ef Emergency OF Order with action plan.
1. Fund and employ narcotics -detection dogs to keep drugs out of the jail.
2. Expand the ability to use test strips beyond Health and Community Services to law
enforcement and first responders.
3. Provide additional training on common and emerging illicit drugs to police for improved
response and identification of fentanyl and other drugs.
4. Identify potential modifications to booking restrictions in the jail and develop
operational plans to address inmate increases.
5. Encourage using strict legal measures to address major crimes and offenses related to
fentanyl, fer distributien
6. Provide more opportunities for youth diversion, especially for people ages 18-25 years
old.
7. Evaluate alternative court programs for higher utilization and capacity.
8. Identify options and funding sources to provide more lower cost housing and creative
housing solutions.
9. Fund and launch a multi -jurisdictional, multi -language public education program,
including youth public education.
10. Consider the benefits and potential local applications of the Icelandic Model, a
community -based approach to substance use that decreases the likelihood of
adolescent substance use by strengthening the supportive role of parents and schools
and the network of opportunities around them.
11. Provide training for healthcare providers and first responders on the benefits of and
how to administer Medication -assisted treatment.
12. Increase funding for treatment programs to increase availability of detox beds, provide
voluntary treatment while waiting for sentencing, provide access to treatment in lieu of
sentencing.
13. Provide additional resources for recovery court, including a secure facility other than
the jail.
14. Ensure services are available for juveniles, not just adults.
15. Ensure medically assisted treatment (MAT) offerings inside the jail match community -
based options.
16. Provide support and training for first responders and behavioral health staff dealing
with trauma and burnout related to overdose responses.
17. Create and implement an overdose response team.
18. Support efforts by Lummi Nation to build a Secure Withdrawal Management and
Stabilization (SWMS) facility.
19. Analyze options for expanding the Alternative Response Team, including providing 24-
hour responses.
20. Provide programs in the jail (e.g., Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, GED,
counseling)
24-;-Create a publicly accessible monitoring and evaluation system to track goals,
outcomes, and data regarding Whatcom County's response to the fentanyl emergency
21. Expand the community paramedics program.
22.
1 PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
2 INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
3
4
5 RESOLUTION NO.
6
7 IDENTIFYING WHATCOM COUNTY APPROACHES
8 TO THE FENTANYL EMERGENCY
9
10 WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
11 County in 2023 (132) exceeded deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every year
12 since 2018; and
13
14 WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
15 resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
16 our communities; and
17
18 WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
19 further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
20
21 WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
22 potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
23 more potent than heroin; and
24
25 WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
26 it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
27 fentanyl; and
28
29 WHEREAS, our community's approach to fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes must
30 be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
31
32 WHEREAS, the use of fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
33 and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
34 state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
35
36 WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, businesses,
37 community members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom:
38 Opioid Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response
39 to the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
40
41 WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
42 organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi-
43 Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
44
45 WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
46 multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
47 occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
1
2 WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
3 response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
4 strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
5 in Whatcom County; and
6
7 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
8 Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
9 1. Prevent opioid misuse,
10 2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
11 3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
12 4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
13 evaluate interventions,
14 5. Support individuals in recovery; and
15
16 WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
17 Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
18
19 WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
20 and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
21 local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
22 internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
23 safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
24
25 WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
26 041 supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
27 response to the fentanyl crisis; and
28
29 WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
30 Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
31 epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
32
33 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
34 in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
35 WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
36 additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
37
38 WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
39 the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
40 actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
41
42 WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
43 the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
44 and
45
1 WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council adopted the Whatcom County
2 Justice Project Implementation Plan (Ord. 2023-039), which identifies priority projects vetted by
3 the community and categorized in five key strategy areas:
4 I. Ensure Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency
5 II. Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services
6 III. Build Facilities Needed to Promote Public Health, Safety, and Justice
7 IV. Expand the Capacity of Programs to Reduce Incarceration/Re-incarceration
8 V. Make Systems Changes with Local, Regional, State, and Federal Partners; and
9
10 WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
11 Governor of the State of Washington declare a statewide emergency to address the fentanyl
12 crisis; and
13
14 WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
15 President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis; and
16
17 WHEREAS, community leaders, agency staff, and other stakeholders convened in early
18 2024 to informally discuss near term solutions to address the fentanyl crisis in our community;
19 and
20 WHEREAS, this resolution details near term approaches, which are not intended to
21 replace the long-term approaches detailed in more comprehensive county policy documents.
22
23 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
24 there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
25 communities; and
26
27 NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
28 recommends the following near -term approaches to address the fentanyl crisis:
29
30 Government Coordination:
31 1. Advocate for the declaration of emergencies at state and federal levels, thereby
32 opening up additional resources to address the crisis.
33 2. Unite national efforts by getting as many jurisdictions as possible to approve a
34 resolution to request an emergency be declared at the state and federal levels.
35 3. County Executive Order declaring an emergency and detailing specific action items
36 (use of opioid settlement funds, one-time reserve funds) to jump start efforts based on
37 Opioid Task Force and MAC group recommendations.
38 4. Advocate for a legislative fix for the legal inability to issue warrants based on a
39 juvenile's risk to themselves.
r_,it,
41 Accountabilit
42 5. Advocate to change state law (RCW 9A.42.100) to make it a class B felony to expose a
43 child to fentanyl.
44 6. Sheriff and local police to track data on who is not going to jail because of booking
45 restrictions.
46 7. Streamlined testing for fentanyl to, confirming substance for court cases.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
8. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable in order to find true data and get people
connected to resources, interrupt overdose cycle.
9. Fund and employ narcotics -detection dogs to keep drugs out of the jail.
10. Use reckless endangerment and Assault in the Third Degree to hold persons
accountable for exposing children to fentanyl.
11. Address the need to confirm substances by using test strips and training police to
identify fentanyl (can attest with an affidavit that it's fentanyl).
12. Identify potential modifications to booking restrictions in the jail.
13. Prepare to address an increase in jail population when booking restrictions are altered.
14. Fully staff the jail, using corrections hiring and retention bonuses.
15. Use the involuntary treatment act (ITA) process to get people help for substance
abuse. People may be committed to inpatient medical treatment for behavioral health
disorders AND substance abuse disorders under the ITA.
a. Would require additional staffing for an ITA attorney in the Public Defender's
Office.
16. Encourage use of the full force of the law to address major crimes and offenses related
to fentanyl, for distribution, imposing the strictest sentences available for fentanyl
related crimes.
17. More youth diversion, especially for people ages 18-25 years old.
18. Evaluate alternative court programs for higher utilization and capacity.
Prevention and Community Supports:
19. More lower cost housing and creative housing solutions (such as dorm style housing
opportunities - room with shared kitchen and bath).
20. Multi -language public education program, including youth public education.
21. Consider the benefits and potential local applications of the Icelandic Model, a
community -based approach to substance use that decreases the likelihood of
adolescent substance use by strengthening the supportive role of parents and schools
and the network of opportunities around them.
Treatment
22. Provide training for healthcare providers on Medication -assisted treatment.
23. Advocate for involuntary commitment laws as a way to create an option for those who
are unable to walk away from addiction themselves and without help; strengthen
Ricky's Law.
24. Increase funding for treatment programs to increase availability of detox beds, provide
voluntary treatment while waiting for sentencing, provide access to treatment instead
of sentencing.
25. Provide additional resources for recovery court, including a secure facility other than
the jail.
26. Ensure services are available for juveniles, not just adults.
27. Fund hiring and longevity incentives (bonuses) for correctional deputies in order to fill
staffing vacancies in the jail facility.
28. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable; interrupt overdose cycle and connect individuals
to treatment and services.
29. Ensure continuity of care between medically assisted treatment (MAT) programs inside
and outside the jail; medication should be the same in both environments.
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30. Provide support and training for first responder dealing with trauma and burnout
related to overdose responses.
31. Create and implement an overdose response team.
32. Create a Secure Withdrawal Management and Stabilization (SWMS) facility that allows
for involuntary commitment of 72 hours, with the potential to extend for up to 14 days.
33. Provide 24-hour responses for diversion (LEAD)
34. Provide programs in the jail (e.g., Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, GED,
counseling)
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
respectfully requests that the Executive, Sheriff, local municipalities, and other community
partners consider their roles and take action to move forward the aforementioned near -term
approaches to address the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this day of , 2024.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/s/ Royce Buckingham/by email 3/13/2024/ch
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair
PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, ELENBAAS
INTRODUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
RESOLUTION NO.
!DENT-IFYI G DECLARING THE FENTANYL CRISIS AN EMERGENCY IN WHATCOM
COUNTY
AND IDENTIFYING APPROACHES
TO THE FENT NY EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, according to WhatcomOverdosePrevention.org, overdose deaths in Whatcom
County in 2023 (132) exceeded deaths in the prior year and have markedly increased every year
since 2018; and
WHEREAS, the United States is facing the worst drug crisis in its history, and the
resulting tragedies are decimating families and contributing to extraordinary levels of despair in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a substantial likelihood of risk to persons and property unless
further efforts are taken to reduce the threat from fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA) identifies fentanyl as a
potent synthetic opioid drug approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
more potent than heroin; and
WHEREAS, Seven out of ten DEA tested pills with fentanyl are potentially deadly making
it likely that 'one pill can kill,' and in 2023, the DEA seized over 360 million deadly doses of
fentanyl; and
WHEREAS, our community's approach to fentanyl use and fentanyl-related crimes must
be different than our approach to other illegal drug use in our community; and
WHEREAS, the use of fentanyl continues spreading throughout our community, and new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across local,
state, tribal, and federal agencies are needed to promote public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, healthcare workers, tribal leaders, educators, businesses,
community members and law enforcement gathered for a 2-day workshop, All Hands Whatcom:
Opioid Summit, as a call to listening, healing, and action for the Whatcom community in response
to the devastating consequences of fentanyl, meth, and opioids; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, a coalition of government agencies, community -based
organizations, healthcare providers, and others from across Whatcom County formed a Multi -
Agency Coordination (MAC) Group in response to the local opioid and overdose crisis; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a
multiagency coordination system (MAC) is used for extraordinarily large, complex incidents
occurring in the city or county involving numerous agencies and/or jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the MAC Group is to coordinate the ongoing community -wide
response efforts to the opioid crisis, identify and prioritize additional short-term objectives and
strategies to reduce drug -related deaths, and mitigate the impacts on property and public safety
in Whatcom County; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County MAC group aligns with the Washington State Opioid and
Overdose Response (SOOR) plan, which includes five priority goals
1. Prevent opioid misuse,
2. Identify and treat substance use disorder,
3. Ensure and improve the health and wellness of individuals that use drugs,
4. Use data to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor illness, injury and death, and
evaluate interventions,
5. Support individuals in recovery; and
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, the Lummi Indian Business Council approved
Resolution 2023-145, declaring a state of emergency in response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-145 provides the Lummi Indian Business Council with new
and immediate avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across tribal,
local, state, and federal agencies and bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, and
internal and external partners to pursue and achieve solutions that promote public health and
safety on the Lummi Reservation; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
04E supporting the Lummi Indian Business Council's (LIBC) state of emergency declaration in
response to the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, Whatcom County Councilmembers Buchanan and
Elenbaas sent a letter requesting that President Biden declare a national emergency on the opioid
epidemic and open additional resources and authorities to address the crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council understands coordination between all agencies
in our county as well as state and federal supports is needed to fight the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, declarations of emergency at the federal, state, and county levels can open up
additional resources, funding, and assistance to address the fentanyl emergency; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 36.27 RCW establishes the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney as
the independent legal advisor of the legislative authority, prosecutor of all criminal and civil
actions, including felony charges, among other duties; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9.94A RCW establishes accountable standard ranges for sentencing in
the criminal justice system, and the Prosecuting Attorney makes sentencing recommendations;
and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council adopted the Whatcom County
Justice Project Implementation Plan (Ord. 2023-039), which identifies priority projects vetted by
the community and categorized in five key strategy areas:
I. Ensure Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency
II. Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services
III. Build Facilities Needed to Promote Public Health, Safety, and Justice
IV. Expand the Capacity of Programs to Reduce Incarceration/Re-incarceration
V. Make Systems Changes with Local, Regional, State, and Federal Partners; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-002 respectfully requests that the
Governor of the State of Washington declare a statewide emergency to address the fentanyl
crisis; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Council Resolution 2024-003 respectfully requests that the
President of the United States declare a national emergency to address the fentanyl crisis; and
WHEREAS, community leaders, agency staff, and other stakeholders convened in early
2024 to informally discuss near term solutions to address the fentanyl crisis in our community;
and
WHEREAS, Bellinaham Mavor Kimberlev Lund issued Executive Order 2024-01 on February
20, 2024 to address the fentanyl crisis in Downtown Bellingham; and
WHEREAS, this resolution details near term approaches, which are not intended to
replace the long-term approaches detailed in more comprehensive county policy documents.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council acknowledges
there is a countywide fentanyl crisis impacting people, businesses, and properties in our
communities; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends the following near -term approaches to address the fentanyl crisis:
Government Coordination:
1. Advocate for the declaration of emergencies at state and federal levels, thereby
opening up additional resources to address the crisis.
2. Unite national efforts by encouraging other localgetting as n9any jurisdictions -as
pess+b+e to approve a resolution4e requesting an emergency be declared at the state
and federal levels.
3. Encourage Executive Sidhu to release a County Emergency Declaration or Executive
Order that detailsifrg specific action items and funding
options to intensify , ene tinge reserve funds) te jump
start efforts in alignment withbased-en Opioid Task Force and MAC group
recommendations.
4. Develop a budget and plan to address staffing shortages, positions needed in order to
implement an Emergency Declaration or Executive Order, and action steps requiring
funding.
rr.—may.
fr5. Using whatcomoverdoseprevention.org website and Council Committee of the
Whole, provide regular updates to the public on progress of action steps, outcomes of
efforts, and funds expended on initiatives.
Accountability and Data Collection:
6Advocate for a -legislative changes that strengthen laws regarding children's exposure
to fentanyl, Ricky's law, and other related measures. fix fei= the legal inability te issue
4 7. Enhance legal methods to address fentanyl -related crimes, distinguish fentan ll
related crimes from other drug crimes, and offer treatment and recovery options in lieu
of lengthy sentences when appropriate.
ehm!El
--.—Request that Sheriff and local police to track data on utilization of Medication Assisted
Treatment (MAT) in jail and what arrests do not end inwhe is net geing te jail time
because of booking restrictions.
� • Yl�� \�1�1 I��l�ll��� J\•L�l �i� 1►1Rr)•��1:
fr9. Make non -fatal overdoses reportable; interrupt overdose cycle and connect
individuals to treatment and services; and.
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31. GFeate a Secure Withdrawal Managengent and Stabilization (SWMS) faeolity that allews
fer involuntary eemmitn9ent ef 72 heUFS, with the potential te extend feF Up te 14 di-efs-.
3 ,
eeunseling)
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
recommends th,-- Whatcom County Elected officials such as the Executive, Prosecutor, and Sheriff,
consider items in Exhibit A for One'usmen inExeeutmv, GFd-... �_ future action; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
respectfully requests that the Executive, Sheriff, local municipalities, and other community
partners consider their roles and take action to move forward the afer ,...,.Mien d near -term
approaches to address the fentanyl crisis.
APPROVED this day of , 2024.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair
EXHIBIT A
During stakeholder meetings to refine and develop the Council's resolution, members heard the
following sug_aestions, ideas, and requests for action.
Council requests that the Executive consider these exhibit items for potential inclusion in an
Executive Declaration of Emergency or Order.
1. Fund and employ narcotics -detection dogs to keep drugs out of the jail.
2. Expand the ability to use test strips beyond Health and Community Services to law
enforcement and first responders.
3. Provide additional training on common and emerging illicit drugs to police for improved
response and identification of fentanyl and other drugs.
4. Identify potential modifications to booking restrictions in the jail and develop
operational plans to address inmate increases.
5. Encourage using Strict Legal measures to address major crimes and offenses related to
fentanyl, for distribution.
6. Provide more opportunities for youth diversion, especially for people ages 18-25 years
old.
7. Evaluate alternative court programs for higher utilization and capacity.
8. Identify options and funding sources to provide more lower cost housing and creative
housing solutions.
9. Fund and launch a multi -jurisdictional, multi -language public education program,
including youth public education.
10. Consider the benefits and potential local applications of the Icelandic Model, a
community -based approach to substance use that decreases the likelihood of
adolescent substance use by strengthening the supportive role of parents and schools
and the network of opportunities around them.
11. Provide training for healthcare providers and first responders on the benefits of and
how to administer Medication -assisted treatment.
12. Increase funding for treatment programs to increase availability of detox beds,, provide
voluntary treatment while waiting for sentencing, provide access to treatment in lieu of
sentencing.
13. Provide additional resources for recovery court, including a secure facility other than
the jail.
14. Ensure services are available for juveniles, not just adults.
15. Ensure medically assisted treatment (MAT) offerings inside the jail match community -
based options.
16. Provide support and training for first responders and behavioral health staff dealing
with trauma and burnout related to overdose responses.
17. Create and implement an overdose response team.
18. Support efforts by Lummi Nation to build a Secure Withdrawal Management and
Stabilization (SWMS) facility.
19. Analyze options for expanding the Alternative Response Team, including providing 24-
hour responses.
20. Provide programs in the jail (e.g., Narcotic Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, GED,
counseling)
JUSTICE _I_ SYSTEM
COMMITTEE
March 21, 2024
Dear Council and Public Health Advisory Board members,
The Justice System Committee of the Riveters Collective applauds council members for taking
action to address the fentanyl crisis in our community. We agree an emergency declaration is
needed to respond to the growing death toll and devastation caused by fentanyl use.
We are pleased to see the additions to the revised resolution, including the Government
Coordination, Accountability, Prevention and Community Supports, and Treatment
recommendations. We support prioritizing treatment for users and full law enforcement options
for fentanyl dealers.
Prior to approval of the fentanyl emergency resolution, however, we request that you address and
modify the resolution around the following details:
• Identify and publicly share specific outcomes to measure success of the resolution.
• In any funding associated with this declaration, include details and tools for data collection
that evaluate the success of the actions spurred by this resolution.
Thank you, in advance, for advocating for a humane and data -driven response to curbing this crisis.
Sincerely,
Justice System Committee
Riveters Collective
cc: Executive Satpal Sidhu
Health Director Erika Lautenbach