Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day.



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KPHD News

*Aug. 31, 2023*

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overdose awareness day graphic [ [link removed] ]
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We can all help save lives and support recovery in Kitsap

"*Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Please share these resources!*"

*KITSAP COUNTY, WA? ?* Drug overdoses continue to take a tragic toll in Kitsap County and communities across the nation.?

Last year, 73 Kitsap County residents died from drug overdose, according to state Department of Heal [ [link removed] ]th statistics [ [link removed] ]. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl remain a key driver of overdose deaths and were involved in 51 of the Kitsap deaths reported for 2022.?

"We know many families in Kitsap have endured the grief of losing a loved one to drugs, and today is a day for reflection, remembrance, and action," Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. "Drug-related deaths are preventable and we can all play a part by supporting people who need help to overcome substance use and by being ready to respond to overdoses when they happen."

On this International Overdose Awareness Day [ [link removed] ], please join us in sharing resources that can help prevent overdoses and support recovery in our community.?

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overdose deaths chart

The rate of drug overdose deaths is lower in Kitsap than statewide, but has increased since 2016. Chart from the Washington State Department of Health.

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Find help for substance use

Recovery from substance use disorder is possible for everyone and support is available.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) [ [link removed] ] ? treatment options that combine FDA-approved medicines with counseling and therapy ? can help patients overcome opioid use disorder and sustain recovery.

Use the resources below to find services in your area:


* *If you or a loved one are experiencing a crisis*, call or text?*988* or call?**1-888-910-0416. **These hotlines are available 24 hours a day. If someone is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call *911*.?


* *You can find substance use treatment options* and information by calling the Washington Recovery Helpline at *1-866-789-1511.

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* *Connect with more local services* through the?Salish Behavioral Health? [ [link removed] ]website or visit?Kitsap County's substance use and prevention page. [ [link removed] ]

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You can prevent overdose deaths

* *If you use drugs:*?Assume any pill or powder that is not from a pharmacy could contain fentanyl. Avoid using drugs alone. If you do use alone, call 1-800-484-3731 (Never Use Alone [ [link removed] ]).
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* *Learn the signs of an opioid overdose.* Signs include inability to wake up; slow or no breathing; and blue, gray, or ashy skin, lips or fingernails.
* Learn more about the signs of overdose and overdose prevention from the Friends for Life campaign. [ [link removed] ]

fentanyl fact sheet [ [link removed] ]

* *Naloxone [ [link removed] ](also called Narcan)* is a safe and simple medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. People who spend time with people at risk for overdose should keep naloxone on hand.
* Anyone can get naloxone at a pharmacy without a prescription. Call ahead to check availability.?
* You can have naloxone mailed to your home for free [ [link removed] ] if you are not able to get naloxone from a pharmacy.?
* Contact Kitsap Public Health at 360-728-2235 or [email protected] for naloxone or naloxone trainings.
* Or contact Ostrich Bay Exchange by phone or text at 253-470-6534.


* *Dispose of unwanted or expired medications?*using a medication return service [ [link removed] ]

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If someone might be overdosing:

* *Evaluate for signs of an overdose [ [link removed] ]?*
* Try to wake them by shaking and shouting their name

* *Call 911*
* *Give naloxone* (more than one dose could be needed; wait three minutes between doses)
* *Start rescue breathing*
* *Stay with the person until help arrives*
* *Find detailed response steps here [ [link removed] ]*

*It's safe to give help: *

* The risk of overdosing from touching fentanyl or inhaling dust containing fentanyl is extremely low [ [link removed] ].?
* Under the Good Samaritan Overdose law (RCW 69.50.315 [ [link removed] ]), neither the victim nor person assisting with an overdose can be prosecuted for drug possession.

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cdc oad graphic [ [link removed] ]
OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY RESOURCES YOU CAN SHARE

Help spread awareness of substance use and overdose prevention by downloading and sharing Overdose Awareness Day materials:


* International Overdose Awareness Day toolkits [ [link removed] ]
* CDC Overdose Awareness Day toolkits [ [link removed] ]


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*CONTACT:*

*Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer*
Kitsap Public Health District
360-728-2330 - office | 360-728-2235 - main
[email protected]?|?kitsappublichealth.org [ [link removed] ]

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Kitsap County Washington ? 619 Division Street ? Port Orchard, WA 98366 ? 360-337-5777 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]