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Dear Community,
The growing availability of low-cost, lethal drugs like fentanyl and an increasingly toxic drug supply is driving an alarming rise in overdose deaths here in King County and across the country. Fatal overdoses have more than tripled since 2021 in King County, with disproportionate impacts on Black and American Indian/Alaska Native people, and people living unsheltered. As we move into 2024, changes to the drug supply continue to threaten our community, such as fentanyl in powder and rock forms in addition to pills. Education, awareness, and action are critical if we want to save lives and provide opportunities for recovery.
We are introducing this newsletter to share important news, promote resources, and report on our progress as we work together to prevent overdoses, saves lives, and clear paths to recovery. We invite you share these resources and opportunities to get involved with members of your community.
Substance use disorder is a complex medical condition that requires a response at every level. Along with our community partners, the King County Department of Community and Human Services and Public Health – Seattle & King County are taking action to respond to this health crisis by expanding existing efforts and bringing new treatment and resources across five priority action areas.
You can read more about what we are doing and our priorities to prevent overdoses in 2024 here.
In partnership,
Susan McLaughlin, Ph.D., Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, DCHS
Brad Finegood, MA, LMHC, Strategic Advisor, Public Health - Seattle and King County
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