‘Bupe Pathways’ program reduces illicit opioid use and improves quality of life

August 21, 2019.Reading time 8 minutes.

The innovative ‘Bupe Pathways’ program is showing promising results for community members facing multiple barriers to traditional drug treatment.

Most recent overdose data released: 2018 data show most overdose deaths involve multiple drugs

July 2, 2019.Reading time 9 minutes.

Data from the 2018 Overdose Death Report is now available. The report finds that in recent years, overdoses from prescription opioids and heroin have remained stable, while overdoses involving methamphetamine and illicit fentanyl have increased.

An update on the increased HIV risk among people who inject drugs in King County

April 18, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

As the Insider reported last summer, there has been an unusual increase in the number of HIV infections among people who inject drugs in King County. A new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report article describes the increase in detail, and we summarize some of the key findings below: In 2018, a total of 30 women […]

Talk with a Doc: Cannabis use while pregnant and breastfeeding

February 21, 2019.Reading time 6 minutes.

Now that retail cannabis is legal in Washington, there’s a lot of speculation about its potential benefits and harms. Whether it’s marijuana, edibles, CBD products, or any other form, the choice to use cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding is nuanced—people have different circumstances and situations that may contribute to using cannabis. However, it is not […]

Update: Carfentanil found in syringe at scene of January overdoses

January 18, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Update as of 3/19/19: On March 8, 2019 Public Health received additional testing results from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab from a syringe found at the scene of multiple overdoses that took place in the north area of Seattle on January 17, 2019. The syringe was found to contain carfentanil, in addition to heroin. […]