State leaders outline rapid response to address fentanyl deaths and opioid crisis

To respond to the increasing rates of death due to fentanyl in recent years, state leaders used National Opioid Awareness Day (September 21) to focus on saving lives from opioid overdose by urgently expanding our efforts.

Overdose deaths involving opioids and/or stimulants are at unprecedented levels across our state, killing five to six Washingtonians every day. Communities of color and tribal communities have been especially devastated by this crisis that has touched people of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups in both rural and urban areas throughout Washington.

To address this issue, a recently released letter signed by Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah and other interagency leaders, emphasized the need for a rapid response to the opioid crisis, as well as a long-term plan to ensure success. The state’s three priorities for the immediate term are:

1. Treatment medications: Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone are our most powerful tools to save lives from opioid use disorder.

2. Naloxone: Naloxone can reverse the symptoms of opioid overdose when given as either a nasal spray or injection.

3. Awareness: We need to raise awareness of the risks of opioid use disorder and overdose, give people accurate information, and reduce stigma.

The interagency authors also thanked those who have worked hard to save countless lives, often in extremely difficult circumstances and without needed resources, and renewed their commitment to address this devastating issue.