International Overdose Awareness Day (IODA) is the world’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce stigma, and acknowledge grief felt by friends and families of those lost or left behind.
It’s also a time to recognize the tremendous efforts of so many community organizations, providers, researchers and responders who are working to reduce the toll of overdose in our community. Fatal overdoses are preventable and it’s a hopeful sign that with this collective action, we are starting to see a decline in overdose deaths.
We can all take part in continuing the collective work to reduce overdoses. Here are ways to recognize the day and make a difference in our community.
Learn How to Recognize & Respond to an Overdose
Knowing what an overdose looks like and being prepared to respond can save a life. This year, Public Health has trained over 1,000 people in overdose response.
Here some key signs to look out for:
- Can’t be woken up: Nodding off, sleeping, and not responding to verbal or physical stimulus
- Abnormal breathing: Slow, irregular breathing (snoring, gurgling, gasping) or no breathing at all.
- Skin changes: Skin may be clammy or cold; face, lips and nails may be gray, ashen, or blue
If you suspect someone is overdosing, it’s important to act immediately.
- Call 911: An overdose is a medical emergency, and EMS provides critical support. Don’t be afraid to call 911. Washington’s Good Samaritan Law protects you and the overdose victim from drug possession charges.
- Administer naloxone: Naloxone is a very safe and effective medication that usually comes in an easy-to-use nasal spray. There is no risk to giving naloxone to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.
- Rescue breathing: Giving rescue breaths keeps oxygen circulating through the body and brain if a person can’t breathe on their own. It can take up to five minutes for naloxone to work, so you need breathe for the person. Still not awake or breathing after two minutes? Give another dose of naloxone and perform rescue breathing until EMS arrives or they start breathing on their own.
- Ensure safety: Keep monitoring until EMS arrives. If the person wakes up, keep calm, reassure them, and explain what happened.
Many organizations, including Public Health, provide training on overdose response so you can build knowledge and practice these skills. Check out our education and training resources page for a calendar of local events or consider this 20-minute online training from EndOverdose.net.
Spread Awareness About Available Tools to Prevent Overdose and Where to Get Them
Thanks to collaboration from partners across King County, it’s easier than ever to access naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other supplies to prevent overdose. So far in 2024, we’ve worked together to distribute over 115,000 naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips. There are many ways to access these supplies.
Vending Machines: We have four naloxone vending machines in King County, with one more machine on the way this year. Vending machines provide free, confidential access to overdose prevention supplies and resources. The vending machines are stocked with naloxone, fentanyl test strips, as well as condoms, and other safer sex supplies. Find vending machine locations here.
Pharmacies: Naloxone is available over-the-county at many pharmacies. It’s also available through some insurance and if you have Apple Health there’s no copay.
WA State Naloxone Finder: Use this tool to search for free naloxone near you.
Needle Exchange Programs: Needle exchanges provide naloxone and fentanyl test strips free of charge. Find hours at locations at kingcounty.gov/needle
24 hour bupe hotline: Providers are available 24 hours a day to help connect people with medications to treat opioid use disorder and connect people to ongoing care. Learn more or call the line at 206-289-0287
Read About Overdose and Substance Use
Overdose and substance use impact many of our lives. Reading poetry, stories, and nonfiction about overdose and substance use can broaden your perspective and foster compassion and understanding as we continue to work together to save lives.
Here are a few suggested readings:
- Undoing Drugs: the Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction by Maia Szalavitz
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction by Gabor Maté, MD
- The Harm Reduction Gap: Helping Individuals Left Behind by Conventional Drug Prevention and Abstinence-only Addiction Treatment by Sheila P. Vakharia
Find more in this list provided by the King County Library System.
Attend an Event
Participating in events on International Overdose Prevention Awareness Day is a powerful way to show support, spread awareness, and build community.
Here are a few taking place in King County:
Together We Can Remembrance Event
Thursday, August 29 at Westlake Park from 1pm to 3pm
Hosted by Evergreen Treatment Services
Say Their Names: A Community Call In for International Overdose Awareness Day
Friday, August 30th at Cal Anderson Park from 3pm to 6 pm
Hosted by VOCAL WA and Good Vibes
Originally published Monday, August 26