All Hands Whatcom Summit returns September 24-25

Many of us have been touched by the opioid epidemic and addiction. With the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimating that 1 in 6 people over the age of 12 have a substance use disorder, it’s nearly a certainty that all of us have loved someone impacted and wished there was more we could do as a community. 

All Hands Whatcom has engaged organizations and community members over the last two years to learn, engage and build solutions to address the opioid crisis from all angles. Year one was focused on treatment, year two on prevention and youth, and this year, on second chances and what happens when addiction meets the criminal justice system. 

The Chuckanut Health Foundation knows change is possible. We’ve partnered with other community organizations with the belief that the opposite of addiction isn’t just sobriety. It’s community. And the only way to build community is by showing up. 

Whether you’ve been personally impacted by addiction, or you work in prevention or treatment, or you’re just a person who cares, the 2025 All Hands Whatcom Summit is an event you don’t want to miss. 

This year’s summit will explore the intersection of the opioid crisis, mental health and incarceration by sharing personal stories, local data, immersive learning and building community-driven solutions. By understanding how it’s all connected, we can create a comprehensive response that leads to lasting change.

This year we are coming together to talk about the power of second chances – a chance to create a future where youth have what they need to succeed. A chance to truly support people returning from incarceration. A chance to become a community that cares for its people before they’re in crisis.We all have a role to play in cultivating a community of care and opportunity. Making these changes and investments will require all of us – policy-makers, funders, business leaders, communities of faith, parents, families, neighbors, elders, schools, government leaders, service providers and most importantly, you.Join us for the summit from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 24 and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 25 at Ferndale Event Center, 5715 Barrett Road in Ferndale.