Resources in

Washington

In 2020, there were 1,733 identified opioid overdose deaths in the state of Washington.

If you are a person who uses drugs or if you are around people who use drugs, please consider learning how to respond to an opioid overdose and carrying naloxone (intranasal brand name: Narcan). Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can cause slowed or stopped breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. We have a helpful FAQ and are constantly updating it with questions from our site visitors. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know.

HAVE NALOXONE MAILED TO YOU

Residents of Washington State can have Narcan nasal spray mailed to them at no cost thanks to People’s Harm Reduction Alliance and Kelley-Ross (King County).

NALOXONE FINDER

Use this county-based locator to find a pharmacy, clinic, health department, or community based organization in your area that provides naloxone distribution. We suggest calling ahead to confirm inventory and in the case of pharmacy access, request information about co-pay.

STOPOVERDOSE.ORG

StopOverdose.org is a consolidated resource for overdose prevention and education, naloxone access, and treatment support. There is also a helpful section for professionals interested in integrating harm reduction and naloxone into their work.

SYRINGE EXCHANGE

Access this directory of Washington State syringe exchange programs. Please note that all syringe exchange programs also provide overdose prevention and response training and naloxone distribution.

CRISIS CONNECTIONS

Crisis Connections is an anonymous and confidential help line that provides crisis intervention and referral services for Washington State residents. Professionally trained volunteers and staff are available to provide emotional support 24 hours a day, and offer local treatment resources for substance abuse, problem gambling, mental health, and other community services.

DRUG USER ORGANIZING

The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs. Check out their wealth of resources including #reframetheblame a campaign against drug induced homicide laws.

GOOD SAMARITAN LAW

Overdose victims and responders have limited legal protections in Washington State thanks to the 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law. Please click the button below for more information.