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.
We are seeing an increase in fatal overdoses involving fentanyl in the form of white powder, even though fentanyl in pills remains the most common form. White powder fentanyl could easily be mistaken for other drugs, like cocaine, or pressed to look like rock cocaine. From our 2022 overdose report, among the overdose deaths where a fentanyl-substance was identified, the majority (64%) were linked to pills, but almost a quarter (23%) were linked to powders. Fentanyl is an extremely powerful opioid.
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.
As part of International Overdose Awareness Day, it’s a good time learn about the risk of overdose and evidence-based practices and resources that mitigate harm and help to reduce stigma associated with overdose and substance use.