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Apr
28

Overdose prevention and response

The overdose crisis is a public health emergency that requires our whole community to come together and save lives. We are working towards a future where people who use drugs can access care without barriers. Care that is:

  • Timely
  • Compassionate
  • Evidence-based
  • People-centered

We aim to prevent overdose deaths and improve the quality of life for all county residents.


Frequent overdose prevention topics

Overdose prevention topics

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Education and training resources

Icon image of a box of Naloxone Nasal Spray with product device sitting in front of the box

Order harm reduction supplies

Posters, fentanyl test strips, and more

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Get help

Treatment for addiction and harm reduction services

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Data

Non-fatal overdose and overdose deaths data

Latest news

Cartoon image showing a health provider on a phone displaying a patient record
What is buprenorphine? A Q&A about King County's new BUP hotline
March 25, 2024
Image of someone holding up a box of Narcan brand nasal spray and an opened package of the spray nozzle device.
Should Narcan be in the family medicine cabinet?
January 19, 2024
Image of a woman consoling and supporting another woman in distress over drug-related overdose
Support makes a difference: recovery is possible.
December 28, 2023
Image screenshot of Narcan nasal spray box for naloxone
Naloxone is now over the counter: Access to medications widens
October 23, 2023

Learn about overdose in King County

The growing availability of low-cost, lethal drugs like fentanyl has significantly increased the risk of overdose. Overdoses are the leading cause of preventable injury death in King County, with disproportionate impacts on BIPOC communities and people living unsheltered.

As part of the King County response to overdose, Public Health is collaborating with community providers and organizations to:

  • increase access to low-barrier treatment,
  • expand access to prevention tools including the overdose reversal medication naloxone, and
  • increase education and training across our community.

Resources for people who use drugs

  • Order harm reduction supplies
    Order naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other harm reduction supplies.
  • Harm reduction vending machines
    Access to free, confidential overdose prevention supplies and resources.
  • Get help
    If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, you’re not alone. There are many resources to reduce the harms associated with substance use, get treatment, and support your loved ones and community.
  • Overdose Prevention Text Alerts
    Sign up to receive text or email alerts about new overdose risks, changes in the drug supply, and new programs and services available for people who use drugs.

Community support

  • Community Education and Response Resources
    Resources for community organizations, providers and local governments to support people who use drugs.
  • King County Opioid Settlement
    Learn about King County’s opioid settlement funds and how King County plans to use these funds to address harms related to opioids in the community.
  • Opioid Abatement Council
    Learn about the oversight body responsible for ensuring appropriate documentation and reporting of opioid settlement funds used by King County and cities within King County that receive funds from opioid lawsuits.

Community trainings and events calendar

Please email overdose@kingcounty.gov if you have an overdose or harm reduction training/community event you'd like to promote.


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