Should Narcan be in the family medicine cabinet?

January 19, 2024.Reading time 7 minutes.

Brad Finegood, our Strategic Advisor for Behavioral Health, sat down with Seattle’s Child Magazine to answer parents’ questions about Narcan, the medication that rapidly reduces opioid overdose. His interview is excerpted with permission.

Support Makes a Difference: Recovery is Possible

December 28, 2023.Reading time 10 minutes.

The image shows two individuals sitting on a couch. One person is comforting the other. They are indoors, with a window featuring horizontal blinds in the background.

For those with substance use disorder, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible, and support can make all the difference in the life of a loved one suffering from addiction. Recovery is a journey and often not linear, so support and non-judgmental connections are essential no matter where someone is in their journey.

Naloxone is now over the counter: Access to the medication widens

October 20, 2023.Reading time 5 minutes.

The medication naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives, is now available over the counter (OTC) at major pharmacies

International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. This year’s theme is “recognizing those who go unseen” to shine a light on those affected by overdose who have gone unnoticed amid the crisis.

Substance use prevention and early intervention: Key steps to reduce harm and prevent use before it starts

July 19, 2023.Reading time 13 minutes.

Close up of two people holding each others hands in comfort

Substance use disorders continue to impact people from all walks of life. As the understanding and science of addiction evolves, so too does our understanding of ways to prevent substance use disorder and increase support for communities. As a follow up to the blog post on substance use disorder treatment, we are taking a closer look at prevention.

Providing support and care for people with substance use disorder: Treatment access in King County

June 7, 2023.Reading time 11 minutes.

Photo of two people sitting facing each other and holding hands. Their faces are not shown.

In 2021, there were over 106,600 deaths due to drug overdose in the U.S.—the highest on record. This reality is felt across the country, including here in King County, where we’ve seen a rise in substance use and overdose deaths. In the face of these tragic impacts, it is important to know where to get help and how to support someone in your community.