What a comprehensive commitment to ending the opioid crisis would look like

October 27, 2017.Reading time 7 minutes.

Yesterday, the federal government called attention to the opioid crisis by declaring a Public Health Emergency. While the specific rulemaking or funding implications are still unknown, Public Health and our partners will be closely following any actions and impacts. What we do know is that the solution to this crisis requires action from all levels […]

Why paying providers differently improves health (and how we’re doing it)

October 26, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

At a fundamental level, everyone agrees that the purpose of our healthcare system is to improve people’s health. But, the financial systems and incentives in place are often at odds with that goal. The King County Accountable Community of Health is one of nine regional entities across our state established to improve our health care […]

Illicit fentanyl found locally in fake opioid pills

October 2, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office received results from the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory late last week that what looked like a bag of oxycodone pills came back positive for fentanyl. The large amount of fake pills were found on a decedent in King County. While the cause of death of the individual is […]

King County Accountable Community of Health Welcomes First Executive Director

June 23, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

This week, the King County Accountable Community of Health (ACH) Governing Board welcomed Susan McLaughlin, PhD as its first Executive Director. Susan will provide leadership, overall strategy, operations and work to build collaboration across multiple partners working for better health in the King County region. A central focus is bringing together partners to implement the Medicaid […]

Facebook Live follow-up: Your questions about supervised consumption sites and treatment

June 14, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

During a recent Q&A on Facebook LIVE, Dr. Jeff Duchin and Brad Finegood, co-chairs of the Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force, answered some questions about supervised consumption sites (also known as CHELs)—a public health service for people with substance use disorders. CHELs (Community Health Engagement Locations) are one component of a comprehensive approach that […]

It’s not just you. It’s the cost of food, too.

June 2, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

If you are going to talk about access to healthy food, you have to talk about affordability. Why is Top Ramen cheaper than veggies? – King County resident This was the crux of a community conversation in South King County where residents shared the on-the-ground challenges to eating healthier food–challenges that go far beyond just […]