Public Health warning those who use illicit drugs to take extra care after reported uptick in overdoses
People who use illicit drugs should take extra care and not use drugs alone.
Read MoreTag: opiate
New Overdose Data Suggest Epidemic Outpacing Response
In the US, more people now die each year from drug overdoses than died at the peak of the AIDS epidemic, more than died during the entire Vietnam War. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50 years of age, and the epidemic cost the US an estimated $117 billion in 2017 alone. Here are some key findings from our report and my perspective on actions we need to take in order to see this epidemic come under control.
Read MoreA behind the scenes look at buprenorphine ‘treatment on demand’
The Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Taskforce recently published a 2017 Year End Report alongside highlights of actions taken to address the growing opiate epidemic in our region. The highlights show that in the past year, 40 new access points for buprenorphine–one of the best treatments available for opiate use disorder–became available. Buprenorphine supports recovery and reduces the […]
Read MoreRising number of homeless deaths reflects increasing numbers of people needing shelter and care
If we’re ever asked to consider that we might die someday, most of us probably hope it’s at home or doing something we love. For people experiencing homelessness in King County, 72 percent die in unfortunate public places, ranging from crawl spaces under buildings, to parked cars, to public parks. In 2017, the King County […]
Read MoreMedical Examiner’s Report: What we learned from those we lost in 2016
Last year, 14,373 people died in King County. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) investigated those deaths that were sudden, unexpected or unnatural – 2,494* in total. But, the count of life lost is more than a number. By tracking and analyzing different manners of death as well as trends in homicides, traffic fatalities, […]
Read MoreDr. Duchin on Community Health Engagement Locations
Updated 3/8/2017 Recently, the King County Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force recommended a comprehensive set of strategies to address the growing opioid epidemic. In today’s PH Insider, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer at Public Health and Task Force Co-Chair shares his thoughts about CHELs. Community Health Engagement Locations (or CHELs) are one of […]
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