MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. – Mayor Terri Cooper of Medical Lake is calling on the community to unite in the fight against the fentanyl crisis through participation in Gabriel’s Challenge.
This Spokane-based initiative encourages 36 days of connection and action from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day.
Gabriel’s Challenge offers five ways to get involved: attend the kickoff event, follow them on social media, get informed, adopt a block, or attend a mapping meeting.
Spokane County Sheriff’s Officer highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that drug-related calls in Spokane County have quadrupled since 2022.
In 2024, fentanyl and methamphetamine accounted for 95% of the 332 drug-related deaths, with fentanyl alone responsible for 272 deaths.
The crisis extends to Medical Lake, where overdose calls have sharply increased. In 2024, there were nine overdose calls, and already eight have been reported this year.
The City Council heard from Gabriel’s mother, who shared her personal story and emphasized the importance of community involvement. Mayor Cooper encourages residents to read the proclamation and join the fight against this growing crisis.
For more information and to participate, visit Gabriel’s Challenge website here.
