Dear Federal Way City Council and citizens:

I’m writing to express my disappointment in the decision made by City Council in August to reject our city as a possible “safe injection site” to serve South King County. I understand the fear surrounding this experiment among you and the wider community. However, as someone whose younger brother died of a heroin overdose in South King County, I support this project and know that it will save hundreds of lives.

As a Christian pastor, I believe that we are meant to support and love the weakest among us. Addiction is not a choice or a moral failing; it is a disease that only responds to proper treatment. Giving people who are addicted access to clean needles and medical professionals will help more people get the help they need before it is too late.

As a pastor in this community, I know the far-reaching effects that drugs have had on our families and loved ones. I have heard countless stories of avoidable deaths, destroyed lives and families without a way to turn. These safe injection sites may provide just what we need to overcome the opioid epidemic: hope and help. I hope and pray that the City Council will reconsider its decision to ban safe injection sites from our city.

Rev. Chelsea Globe, Christ Lutheran Church, Federal Way