“Seattle’s ‘harm reduction’ approach around drugs perpetuates the harm” (July 26, Opinion):
Completely — extra must be executed to deal with the devastating influence of substance use dysfunction in Little Saigon.
As somebody who works carefully with the Chinatown Worldwide District, I’ve seen firsthand the toll dependancy takes. I’ve administered Narcan, carried out CPR and witnessed the shared trauma of a neighborhood going through a number of overdoses a day. The world round twelfth and Jackson — together with King, Weller, Lane and Hoi Mai Park — is the epicenter of Seattle’s fentanyl disaster.
Andrew Constantino’s highly effective testimony provides urgency to the decision for motion. He’s proper: This isn’t compassion — it’s neglect. The present system is failing too many — from these trapped in dependancy to households and college students merely making an attempt to really feel protected in their very own neighborhood.
I admire Seattle Metropolis Council President Sara Nelson’s management in placing therapy and restoration on the heart of the town’s agenda. Her proposed package deal is a vital first step.
To really break the cycle, we additionally want culturally competent, community-rooted options — with multilingual suppliers, trusted outreach staff, and accessible housing and therapy.
We’d like all of it. This can be a humanitarian disaster. We should act with urgency, compassion, and coordination. Let’s not depart anybody — or any neighborhood — behind.
Tanya Woo, former Seattle Metropolis Council member
