International Overdose Awareness Day – August 31st, 2023.
Naloxone (Narcan) Resources:
What are opioids?
Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain that reduce the transmission of pain signals throughout the body. Opioids include:
- Heroin
- Prescription pain medications like:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Morphine (MS Contin)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
**Xylazine is not opioid, but is increasingly being found in the US illicit drug supply and linked to overdose deaths. What You Should Know About Xylazine.
What causes overdose?
When there is too much opioid in the body, a person can lose consciousness and stop breathing – this is an overdose. An opioid overdose can happen suddenly or come on slowly over a few hours. Without oxygen, a person can die.
Risks for an opioid overdose include:
- Using opioids again after your tolerance has dropped (e.g., like after being in treatment, a hospital, or jail). After a break from opioids, the body can’t handle as much as it did before.
- Taking prescription pain medication more often or in higher doses than prescribed-or using someone else’s prescription pain medication. The dose could be too much.
- Using heroin or pills bought on the street. Heroin and street pills often contain other substances that can be dangerously toxic.
- Using opioids with alcohol or other drugs including sleeping pills, benzodiazepines (“benzos” like Valium and Xanax), cocaine and methamphetamine.
- Any current or chronic illness that weakens the heart or makes it harder to breathe.
- Using opioids alone. You are more likely to die from an overdose if no one is there to help.
- Previous overdose. A person who has overdosed before is more likely to overdose again.
Report an Overdose:
By reporting an overdose, you are assisting Grant County Health District in our efforts to identify and provide resources for individuals and families in Grant County affected by opioid use. The ability to maintain more accurate information about overdose in Grant County provides the framework to build programs and support tailored to our community. This form does not ask for any specific or identifying information. You are able to skip any question you are uncomfortable answering.
Disposing of prescription opioids
Safe Medication Return lets people appropriately dispose of unwanted, household over-the-counter and prescription medications, including for pets. Secure storage and safe disposal of medication helps reduce overdoses, poisonings, and suicide attempts. Safely disposing of medication also keeps it out of our environment, which helps protect our water and soil.
Syringe Service Program (SSP):
GCHD – 1038 W Ivy Ave. Moses Lake, WA 98837
Every Wednesday: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Provider Resources:
Flyers and posters:
Overdose –
- Opioid Overdose Education brochure
- So you’ve overdosed… now what?
Handout with information for people who use heroin about steps to take after an overdose. When printing this pdf, select “actual size.” - Waiting room poster on naloxone (adapted from San Francisco Dept of PH, #2)
- Waiting room poster on naloxone (adapted from San Francisco Dept of PH, #1)
Good Samaritan Laws –
- 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law poster
8.5 x 11″ or 11 x 17″ - 911 Good Samaritan wallet card
Youth-friendly –
- Good Samaritan Law Posters:
- Overdose brochure for youth
Contact:
Mariah Deleon – Harm Reduction Coordinator P: 509-766-7960 EXT. 16 E: mdeleon@granthealth.org