EVERETT, NOV. 12: Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin has been recognized in a national ideas contest for the city’s Emergency Mobile Opioid Team (EMOTE) program.
EMOTE delivers essential medical services directly to residents who cannot or choose not to engage with traditional office-based care. The core team consists of peers and substance use disorder professionals who are supported by prescribers.
The Ideas Challenge was organized by the NewDEAL Forum, a non-profit organization that identifies and elevates innovative, future-oriented state and local policies that can improve the lives of all Americans, according to a press release.
“Addressing the fentanyl crisis requires more than just sympathy; it demands innovation, courage and compassion,” Franklin said. “No city can solve these challenges on their own, but local governments are best positioned to lead real change. EMOTE is proof that when cities are equipped and empowered to lead, we can meet people where they are, close gaps in care and rebuild hope.”
Ideas were chosen by policy experts who reviewed more than 50 policy proposals submitted by elected officials from cities, counties, and states across the country. The 2025 Ideas Challenge identified six winners overall, Franklin and the EMOTE program being featured in the Health category.
In 2024 the city received $500,000 in funding from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) in 2024 to cover the initial operational expenses for the EMOTE program.
The council extended the program until 2027 and approved an additional $716,000 from HCA to cover operational costs. In the first three quarters, EMOTE made “601 meaningful contacts with clients and peers,” the ordinance said.
The program has been featured by KING 5 News and KNKX Public Radio.
Based on a press release from City of Everett.