Drug & Mental
Health Treatment

Seattle's fentanyl crisis is claiming four lives every day in our city. Sara believes we must meet this challenge with both urgency and compassion, expanding access to treatment while addressing the root causes that lead to substance use disorder. She champions evidence-based solutions that create real pathways to recovery, while ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors can access the comprehensive care they need.

WHAT SARA HAS DELIVERED

As a Councilmember and now Council President, Sara has fought to expand access to life-saving treatment and recovery services:

  • Secured first-ever city funding for on-demand residential and intensive outpatient addiction treatment

  • Supported innovative mobile medication units bringing treatment directly to high-need areas

  • Successfully advocated for recovery-based support services in permanent supportive housing

  • Reformed the Regional Homelessness Authority's mandate to include recovery-focused approaches

  • Added $450,000 for mobile medication services in areas with high overdose rates

SARA’S VISION FORWARD

The fentanyl crisis is claiming four lives per day in Seattle. While harm reduction services are crucial, Sara believes we must do more to help people achieve lasting recovery. She'll continue pushing to remove barriers to treatment, expand mental health services, and ensure our most vulnerable neighbors can access the comprehensive care they need. This includes working to:

  • Expand successful treatment pilot programs

  • Partner with King County to increase treatment bed capacity

  • Strengthen oversight of addiction services to ensure effective use of resources

  • Support evidence-based approaches that meet people where they are