Senator Discusses Opioids With Washington State Officials (05/04/2018 US News & World Report)

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell met with officials in northwest Washington state to discuss the impact of the opioid crisis on the area and how the federal government might be more effective in dealing with the matter.

The Daily Herald reports the Democratic senator outlined legislation she’s working on to the Snohomish County officials Tuesday, noting that she is seeking more federal funding to support education, treatment and recovery.

County officials also unveiled Tuesday a new diversion center that aims to get people out of homeless encampments and connected to longer-term services. The center in downtown Everett seeks to help people access housing assistance, basic health care or treatment programs for drug addiction or mental illness.

The 44-bed center is expected to open later this month.