# Cautious Optimism: Whatcom County Sees Declining Overdose Deaths as Fentanyl Response Plan Unfolds ## Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council Public Works and Health Committee convened on Tuesday afternoon, January 14, 2025, for their first meeting of the new year in the familiar hybrid format of Council Chambers at the County Courthouse. What should have been a routine organizational meeting became a significant moment of reflection on the county's ongoing battle against the fentanyl crisis, as health officials presented data showing encouraging but tentative signs of progress. Committee Chair Jon Scanlon called the 30-minute meeting to order at 12:55 PM, with fellow members Mark Stremler and Ben Elenbaas present. Also attending were Council Members Barry Buchanan, Tyler Byrd, Todd Donovan, and Kaylee Galloway—an unusually full attendance that Scanlon noted at meeting's end, saying "it is nice when we have everybody here for these conversations" on topics that typically interest the full council. The agenda contained just two items: the annual election of committee chair and a presentation on the county's fentanyl operations plan. What emerged was a nuanced picture of a community grappling with cautious hope amid persistent crisis, and troubling questions about how overdose deaths are classified and counted. ## Leadership Continuity Scanlon quickly dispatched with the committee's organizational business, nominating himself to continue as chair for another year. "I'm interested in continuing. I've enjoyed taking on this role and would like to continue for another year," he said, putting his nomination forward to his colleagues. The vote was unanimous—though Elenbaas added a touch of levity by voting "no" before immediately clarifying, "just so everybody scratches their head, but I fully support you as the chair, Scanlon." With that bit of committee humor out of the way, attention turned to the more substantial presentation on the county's response to the fentanyl epidemic. ## Encouraging Data, Persistent Crisis Kari Holley, a program specialist with Whatcom County Health and Community Services who oversees opioid prevention and overdose response, delivered what she characterized as cautiously optimistic n…