Interning with Snohomish County Council member Nate Nehring for the past six weeks has given me a deeper understanding of how community needs are addressed and solved. I was able to go on a ride along with the sheriff’s department; on which we visited four areas where individuals who live in their vehicles were parked outside of apartment buildings, a high school, and businesses. The Snohomish County sheriff’s protect communities by moving these RVs, but do not forget to offer services to the individuals being moved. Those who live in cars or recreational vehicles are continually offered resources to get out of their current situation. Most deny it as a result of the substances they are using.
Which leads to the programs that are being developed to address the problem that is fentanyl. It’s highly addictive nature, makes recovering without resources next to impossible, and often users are unwilling to start the process. Should they begin, the withdrawals can be violent and create harmful environments.
If Ricky’s Law is applied to fentanyl users, treatment can be given through means of involuntary commitment. While the process of getting clean is strenuous, it keeps the community and users safe.
In order to apply Ricky’s Law and see its benefits, room for treatment centers must be made. It is in the best interest of Snohomish County if this program is followed through to completion. In my time with Council Member Nehring’s office, I saw the efforts that are helping Snohomish county become a more cohesive community.
Sophie Nichols
Arlington
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