Overdose prevention and response
The overdose crisis is a public health emergency that requires our whole community to come together and save lives. We are working towards a future where people who use drugs can access care without barriers. Care that is:
- Timely
- Compassionate
- Evidence-based
- People-centered
We aim to prevent overdose deaths and improve the quality of life for all county residents.
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Latest news
Learn about overdose in King County
The growing availability of low-cost, lethal drugs like fentanyl has significantly increased the risk of overdose. Overdoses are the leading cause of preventable injury death in King County, with disproportionate impacts on BIPOC communities and people living unsheltered.
As part of the King County response to overdose, Public Health is collaborating with community providers and organizations to:
- increase access to low-barrier treatment,
- expand access to prevention tools including the overdose reversal medication naloxone, and
- increase education and training across our community.
- King County's strategic priorities to address the overdose crisis (224 Kb).
- Overdose Data Dashboards
View information about fatal and non-fatal drug and alcohol deaths in King County.
Resources for people who use drugs
- Order harm reduction supplies
Order naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other harm reduction supplies. - Harm reduction vending machines
Access to free, confidential overdose prevention supplies and resources. - Get help
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, you’re not alone. There are many resources to reduce the harms associated with substance use, get treatment, and support your loved ones and community. - Overdose Prevention Text Alerts
Sign up to receive text or email alerts about new overdose risks, changes in the drug supply, and new programs and services available for people who use drugs.
Community support
- Community Education and Response Resources
Resources for community organizations, providers and local governments to support people who use drugs. - King County Opioid Settlement
Learn about King County’s opioid settlement funds and how King County plans to use these funds to address harms related to opioids in the community. - Opioid Abatement Council
Learn about the oversight body responsible for ensuring appropriate documentation and reporting of opioid settlement funds used by King County and cities within King County that receive funds from opioid lawsuits.
Community trainings and events calendar
Please email overdose@kingcounty.gov if you have an overdose or harm reduction training/community event you'd like to promote.