Vending machines dispense critical tools for preventing overdose

April 13, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

vending machine stacked with fentanyl test strips, intramuscular naloxone kits, narcan nasal spray, and latex (and non-latex) condoms and lube

In April 2022, Public Health worked with a local community organization, Peer Washington that operates Peer Seattle and Peer Kent to place vending machines at their sites to provide access to free, confidential overdose prevention supplies and resources.

It May Not Be Cocaine: Fentanyl in White Powder in King County

December 27, 2022.Reading time 7 minutes.

We are seeing an increase in fatal overdoses involving fentanyl in the form of white powder, even though fentanyl in pills remains the most common form. White powder fentanyl could easily be mistaken for other drugs, like cocaine, or pressed to look like rock cocaine. From our 2022 overdose report, among the overdose deaths where a fentanyl-substance was identified, the majority (64%) were linked to pills, but almost a quarter (23%) were linked to powders. Fentanyl is an extremely powerful opioid.

Updated dashboard shows continued devastation caused by fentanyl and disparities in overdose deaths

November 16, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

A re-designed fatal overdose dashboard shows the tragic toll of drug overdose in King County. Read about the steps to take to prevent fatal overdose.

What we all can do to reduce stigma around substance use disorder

October 27, 2022.Reading time 7 minutes.

A new public campaign, called “Don’t Count Us Out,” has launched across King County. The campaign aims to reduce stigma against people living with and recovering from substance use disorder.

International Overdose Awareness Day: Taking Action to Save Lives

August 30, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

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.

It’s safe to give help: Questions and answers about secondhand fentanyl exposure

April 5, 2022.Reading time 9 minutes.

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 […]