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Heather Thomas,Snohomish Health District, 3020 Rucker Avenue,stated that new data released from <br /> the Washington State Department of Health shows that Snohomish County had 90 overdose deaths in <br /> 2016. The Snohomish Health District collected data on the number of overdoses that came into <br /> Providence's emergency department from June to August and there were 100 overdoses treated at <br /> Providence. She stated that it was important to remember that the opioid use disorder is not a failure <br /> of will it is a disease and it a disease that is 100% preventable and treatable. She stated that the <br /> Snohomish Health District is committed to continue efforts with the city of Everett and other partners <br /> throughout the County to make sure that everyone has access to treatment. <br /> Norman Johnson,CEO of Therapeutic Health Services(THS), stated that 12-14 years ago they opened <br /> the facility in South Everett. He stated that Snohomish County asked them to locate a second facility in <br /> response to the growing need. Mr.Johnson has been operating opioid treatment services since 1979. <br /> He asked Commissioners if they had any questions. <br /> Commissioner Beck asked about the client services at their clinics. Mr.Johnson responded THS provides <br /> a broad range of services such as opioid treatment, mental health treatment, alcohol and drug <br /> treatment, and youth programs. Their program is extremely comprehensive so a family gets wrap <br /> around services, no one solution is going to solve the issue. <br /> Commissioner Tisdel asked about the role of the community relations monitor. Mr.Johnson responded <br /> that in response to some issues that there were at their Capital Hill facility in Seattle in the early 80's, <br /> they hired two employees to insure that their clients weren't hanging around on-site or at neighboring <br /> businesses. Their job was to canvas the area within a two-block radius. Anybody seen more than once <br /> was spoken to-90%of the hanging out disappeared. <br /> Mr.Johnson stated that the South Everett clinic opened 12 years ago serving 150 clients. Today,they <br /> serve a little over 800 clients. They have two Community Relation Monitors. He stated that there is no <br /> reason for anyone to stay in the area for more than an hour and a half and that is the extent of any <br /> counseling. If they don't need counseling,they should be in and out of the clinic in about 10 minutes. <br /> They provide childcare for those in counseling. All five of their clinics have community relation <br /> monitors. <br /> Commissioner Tisdel asked about the size of the clinic in south Everett. The manager of the South <br /> Everett facility responded that there are 812-820 patients served; however,417 of those clients aren't <br /> coming in on a daily basis. Commissioner Tisdel asked how many of those clients would go to the other <br /> clinic if a second facility opened. Mr.Johnson responded that there is a waiting list of about 150 people <br /> and about 150 people that would live closer to a clinic located north, so 300 to start. <br /> Citizen Comments <br /> Debbie Warfield, 640 Alverson Boulevard, stated that it was unconscionable that necessary medical <br /> treatment is being withheld from those that suffer from opiate dependency. She stated that lives are <br /> being lost as we speak. She felt that opioid use wasn't a moral failing just a disease. People haven't <br /> educated themselves about addiction which creates stigma and fear regarding treatment programs. She <br /> spoke about her son who suffered through addiction. <br /> --- --------------------------------------- <br /> 11 <br />