King County Drug Overdose Deaths Hit Alarming High Despite Millions in Spending

King County recorded its highest weekly number of drug overdose deaths since The Center Square began tracking the figures in May, with 19 drug-related deaths reported between August 10 and August 14. According to data provided by the King County Medical Examiner, one of those who died was a 15-year-old girl. The deaths are raising new questions about how Seattle, King County and Washington state are responding to the ongoing drug and opioid crisis. King County spent approximately $50 million in 2025 on drug-related resources and services, including low-barrier medications for opioid use disorder, naloxone distribution and outreach efforts. Critics argue the continued overdose deaths demonstrate the need to reconsider Washington's approach to addiction and drug enforcement. The latest numbers also arrive as Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, program faces increased scrutiny following a Washington Policy Center analysis challenging some of the success claims associated with the program. The Center Square examines the latest overdose numbers, King County's spending and the growing debate over whether Washington's current approach to addiction, diversion and harm reduction is producing results. #Seattle #KingCounty #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #SeattleNews #DrugCrisis #OverdoseCrisis #Fentanyl #OpioidCrisis #DrugOverdose #PublicSafety #SeattleCrime #KingCountyWA #WashingtonPolitics #DrugPolicy #LEADProgram #HarmReduction #TaxpayerMoney #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonPolicy #WApolitics #WashingtonInFocus #CenterSquare