August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Every year, this serves as a time to remember our fellow community members who have died of or survived an overdose and raise awareness of ways to prevent future overdoses. This year, King County is working with community partners to expand the use of naloxone (also known as Narcan) – a powerful and very safe tool that can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose – and educate the community about available treatments for opioid use disorder.
As the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl has spread across King County and the rest of the nation, it has become unfortunately common to encounter a person who may be experiencing an opioid overdose. Some people may have questions about what to do in that situation – how to give help, and whether it’s safe to […]
Written by Troy Seibert, Public Health – Seattle & King County, Overdose Prevention and Response As we confront an alarming rise in overdose deaths, King County is working to expand access to a proven, life-saving intervention. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), specifically buprenorphine, lowers risk of death by about 50%. These medications, along with, […]
With the first months of school now behind us and young people more used to re-engaging with their peers, it’s a good time to have an open and honest conversation with our kids about fentanyl.
As part of International Overdose Awareness Day, it’s a good time learn about the risk of overdose and evidence-based practices and resources that mitigate harm and help to reduce stigma associated with overdose and substance use.
Fentanyl has hit our community and is taking the lives of so many loved ones. We have already exceeded last year’s numbers for fentanyl deaths. Overdose is preventable and there are actions we can all take.
