Drafter
Clerk 05/04/2021
title
A MOTION acknowledging the harm inflicted by the stigma of substance use disorders and requesting the executive to implement an antistigma campaign in King County.
Body
WHEREAS, substance use disorders affect brain function and behaviors that cause negative outcomes for individuals, their social networks and the community, and
WHEREAS, substance use has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and
WHEREAS, according to data provided by public health - Seattle & King County, comparing the six months preceding and following the implementation of COVID-19 control measures at the end of February 2020, accidental overdoses increased by thirty percent, and
WHEREAS, deaths due to overdose, fentanyl deaths in particular, continue to increase drastically across a greater geographic distribution of King County, especially in South King County, and
WHEREAS, stigma surrounding substance use disorders is socially discrediting and keeps people isolated and hesitant to seek potentially life-saving treatment, and
WHEREAS, people may be interested in treatment but avoid reaching out for help due to fear of stigma, and
WHEREAS, a communications campaign designed to eliminate prejudices against seeking treatment, raise awareness about the efficacy of treatment and champion stories of recovery has the potential to dismantle barriers to access to treatment for people in King County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
The council requests that:
A. The executive develop and implement a marketing and communications campaign related to substance use disorder which has increased in severity and number due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes, but is not limited to, eliminating prejudices against seeking treatment, to raising awareness about the efficacy of treatment for substance use disorders and promoting stories and pathways of recovery;
B. In developing the campaign, at minimum, the executive:
1. Assess the ...

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