YAKIMA, Wash.—The Yakima City Council recently discussed the opioid epidemic with community service providers.

It happened during a study session Dec. 17, during a year in which Yakima saw well over 100 drug overdose deaths, far more than in any previous year.

Speakers from the Yakima Health District, Yakama Nation and the University of Washington, among other organizations, participated in this discussion.

“Stigma reduces access to care, disintegrates self-esteem and creates isolation, which perpetuates illness and barriers to treatment,” said community leader Megan Tweedy.

This is the second overdose roundtable the city council has requested and hosted.