WASHINGTGON, D.C. – (KGMI.com) Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire gave testimony in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, November 8th, where he urged lawmakers for more federal funding amid a drug crisis in the community.
Hillaire spoke in front of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and stressed the need for a detox center to help tribal members suffering from withdrawals.
He says the Lummi Nation has raised nearly $15 million to build the facility but needs another $12 million.
Hillaire also noted the presence of a new drug in the community named Carfentanil, which he says is over 100 times more lethal than fentanyl.
The Lummi Nation declared a state of emergency in September in response to the drug crisis.
They have had seven overdose-related deaths in the community this year, with five occurring from September to October.
It comes as Lummi Behavioral Health Department recently announced its new “Open Access” program that offers walk-in and same day urgent appointments to the community.