Seattle Drug Policy Advisor BREAKS SILENCE on Fentanyl Controversy

Seattle LEAD program co-founder Lisa Daugaard is responding to criticism following a controversial exchange about fentanyl addiction, while also acknowledging that some harm reduction and Housing First practices need to change. The controversy began during a panel discussion at a We Heart Seattle fundraising event, where Daugaard was asked how she would respond if her own child were using fentanyl at home and refused to stop. Her response, which included saying that making her child leave home would not be her approach, drew audible reactions from audience members and sparked debate over Seattle's drug addiction policies. Now Daugaard is clarifying her remarks, rejecting the suggestion that parents must choose between accepting fentanyl use and evicting their children. In a response provided to The Center Square, Daugaard said she would neither endorse fentanyl use nor remove her child from the home, arguing that both options present a false choice. During the panel, Daugaard also questioned how some harm reduction practices have evolved, saying that certain approaches have become disconnected from their original purposes. She argued that Housing First and low-barrier services remain important but need to be implemented differently, while cautioning that requiring addiction treatment as a condition of housing could push more people onto the streets. The discussion comes amid growing scrutiny of Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program following a Washington Policy Center report challenging some of the program's reported success metrics. Critics argue that taxpayer-funded addiction programs should place greater emphasis on treatment, sobriety and accountability. Supporters of harm reduction emphasize connecting individuals with services and reducing the risks associated with addiction. Topics covered: Lisa Daugaard responds to fentanyl controversy Seattle LEAD drug diversion program We Heart Seattle panel discussion Harm reduction versus addiction recovery Housing First and treatment requirements Washington Policy Center criticism of LEAD performance metrics Seattle fentanyl crisis and public safety Taxpayer-funded addiction and homelessness programs Debate over accountability and long-term recovery Watch Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Seattle, Washington state government, public safety, taxpayer spending and policies affecting communities across the state. Get Washington news sent directly to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 for concise updates from The Center Square about important developments affecting Washington residents. #Seattle #LisaDaugaard #FentanylCrisis #LEADProgram #DrugPolicy #HarmReduction #HousingFirst #AddictionRecovery #SeattleNews #WashingtonInFocus