BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington leaders continue to work together to combat the opioid crisis.

On Friday, October 25, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen met with local leaders to discuss collaborative efforts to support communities and individuals affected by the opioid epidemic. Speakers at the event included Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire and Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu.

Earlier this week, Larsen introduced the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act, which focuses on harm reduction and expanding access to life-saving programs and treatments. The bill is the latest in Larsen's four-pillar framework to combat the opioid crisis.

The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act provides funding for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and supports partnerships among local, state, federal, and tribal agencies. Additionally, the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) bill provides tribal courts and law enforcement expanded their resources.

Finally, the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act supports individuals recovering from addiction in the workforce.

Leaders from diverse backgrounds and backgrounds spoke about the impact of these bills on their communities and emphasized the importance of partnerships between local authorities, first responders, government officials and tribal authorities.

“Working together gives everyone hope that they can tackle these problems together. We want to continue to be part of this work in the community,” Larsen said.