WHATCOM COUNTY, WA. – (MyBellinghamNow.com) Despite a nation-wide decline in overdose deaths last year, numbers in Whatcom County continue to climb at a worrying pace.

That’s according to a new report released by U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen analyzing the ongoing opioid epidemic in Northwest Washington.

The report notes that the state saw the highest percentage increase of drug overdose deaths in the country between February 2022 and February 2023. More than 75% of overdose deaths in 2022 were linked to opioids.

Per capita opioid overdose death rates in Whatcom County exceeded the statewide average for the first time in 2022. Drug overdose deaths have increased in the county every year since 2018 and hit a record high of 132 deaths last year, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Larsen’s policy recommendations include passing President Biden’s supplemental budget request of over $2.7 billion to strengthen addiction support services and crack down on drug trafficking. The reports concludes with his four-pillar approach to combatting the opioid crisis that is centered around prevention, interdiction, treatment and recovery.

“Congress and the Biden administration must do more to coordinate with local governments, Tribal communities, law enforcement, health care providers and community partners who are on the front lines of the epidemic,” Larsen said. “This begins with understanding the challenges communities are facing and working together to break down barriers to lasting solutions.”

Read Rep. Larsen’s full report here.