Clallam County is using a combination of strategies to fight opioid addiction, including detox medication in jail, drug court for non-violent addicts, and arming first responders with Narcan.
The opioid epidemic hit Clallam County so hard, Rachel Anderson could no longer just sit and watch.
With far too few people seeking treatment on their own, the drug clinic worker decided to bring the opportunity to them. She routinely brings sack lunches to those on the streets and encourages them to visit her facility.
"It breaks my heart," she said. "These are just people who have a disease. They need help."
RELATED: 'It's terrible': Opioid overdoses surpass traffic deaths
Like many communities, Port Angeles and Clallam County have been hit with a wave of homelessness and addiction.
Anderson is on the front lines of the battle for people's lives, encouraging addicts to come to treatment. Slowly but surely, she says it's working.
"I see it every day. People are getting their lives back," said Anderson. "It's pretty cool."
RELATED: Disturbing opioid trends emerging in rural Washington
Using over $900,000 in state grants, Clallam County is playing a bigger part as well.
To read the full article written by Eric Wilkinson - click HERE
Comments (0)