King County Heroin and prescription opiate task force taking action to prevent fatal overdoses

From the Office of the County Executive

Photo courtesy University of Washington

The heroin and prescription opiate task force that King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray created last month is already taking action to reduce the number of fatal overdoses.

About 90 doses of naloxone -- a nasal spray used to reverse the effects of heroin and opiate overdose -- will be distributed to local treatment and housing providers where people receive assistance for mental illness and addiction.

It's the first in what will be a series of recommendations by the task force representing the medical field, treatment providers, police and fire, hospitals, public health and other disciplines.

"This impressive lineup of experts is already recommending actions we can take now to save lives immediately," said Executive Constantine. "It demonstrates that we share a sense of urgency and a commitment to create innovative solutions."

Read the full story online

See related story: Study shows naloxone kits cost-effective in preventing overdose deaths