“This program is saving lives”: How community partnerships expand naloxone access

September 25, 2025.Reading time 9 minutes.

Through strong community partnerships and innovative approaches, Public Health’s distribution of naloxone to community-based organizations in 2025 is on pace to double that distributed in 2024.

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.

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.

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.

Talking with teens about fentanyl

December 2, 2021.Reading time 12 minutes.

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.