It Starts with One: Opioid Crisis Resources

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 01/03/2018 10:30 AM PST

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Join us in spreading the word: It Starts with One

Honest conversations to prevent opioid misuse

Prescription pain meds are now the leading cause of accidental death in Washington State – more than guns and car crashes. This is a statewide crisis. But we’re all part of the solution.

It begins with just one step. One act of courage. One honest conversation.

If you have a friend or loved one who has an opioid misuse problem, share the facts about opioid misuse and abuse.
If a friend has asked for help, encourage them to see a doctor for an evaluation or call the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1 (866) 789-1511. You can also consider locating an appropriate physician or health professional and give their information to your friend.
Offer your support and remind them it takes courage to seek help. Remind them that treatment works.
Visit GetTheFactsRx.com for more information.
Never share an opioid prescription with someone else.
If you are prescribed an opioid, talk with your doctor about other options for managing pain.
Dispose of unused medications safely at a take-back program near you. Find one at TakeBackYourMeds.org.

Your choices matter. When it comes to preventing opioid misuse, you can make a difference.

Visit GetTheFactsRx.com for help and resources.

Check out the toolkit, resources and more!

Encourage parents and students to address this crisis head-on by sharing resources here and on social media!

Thank you to Washington State DSHS and the Washington State Department of Health for sharing social media tools, fact sheets, sample articles and more! You can find them here: http://www.getthefactsrx.com/resources

*Sources: starttalkingnow.org, Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

More about prevention/intervention: http://www.k12.wa.us/PreventionIntervention/default.aspx

School safety center: http://www.k12.wa.us/SafetyCenter/default.aspx

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