Opioid-related overdoses and overdose deaths are at record levels in Benton & Franklin Counties and throughout the state of Washington. The rise in the presence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more powerful than heroin or morphine, is driving this steep increase in overdoses and overdose deaths. Fentanyl pills made to look like prescription opioids are available in both counties. Illicit drug manufacturers are producing more and more counterfeit pills and powders with fentanyl, which translates into a higher risk of overdose and death – even from just one pill.
Naloxone is an opioid blocker that can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes, and anyone can administer it. It’s a very safe medication. It has no effect on someone who has not taken opioids. Anyone can get naloxone, without a prescription, at a pharmacy or many other locations. We want to make sure as many people in the public as possible have naloxone on-hand and know how to use it, so that they can intervene to save a life if they witness someone experiencing a possible overdose.
For additional local resources and where to get Naloxone check out Benton-Franklin Health District's new Overdose Prevention Campaign: Carry A Second Chance
