“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.

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.

Learn how to respond to an overdose: upcoming trainings in our community

June 5, 2023.Reading time 5 minutes.

Public Health and partners are dedicated to raising awareness and offering trainings to various groups in King County to identify and prevent an overdose.

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.