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.
Public Health – Seattle & King County has recently identified an increase in the number of new HIV cases among heterosexuals who inject drugs in King County. HIV infection is typically much less common among heterosexuals in King County than among men who have sex with men (MSM). But the risk for HIV infection increases […]
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.
What are the many ways Public Health touches your life? For Public Health Week, we took to the streets to learn how public health professionals are working to promote health across King County. From restaurant inspectors to school-based health providers to STD experts, our staff went live on Facebook to show us how they get […]
Yesterday, the federal government called attention to the opioid crisis by declaring a Public Health Emergency. While the specific rulemaking or funding implications are still unknown, Public Health and our partners will be closely following any actions and impacts. What we do know is that the solution to this crisis requires action from all levels […]
Special series: Community voices on overdose prevention – An interview with Captain Bryan Howard, King County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, August 31, is International Overdose Prevention Day. This week, we are sharing community perspectives on preventing overdose and addiction. We talked with Captain Bryan Howard – King County Sheriff’s Office, to learn about the Good Samaritan Law, naloxone […]
