Whatcom County will recognize International Overdose Awareness Day with an event from noon to 6:00 PM Friday, August 30 on the Bellingham City Hall lawn, located at 210 Lottie Street.
Staff from Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be on hand to answer questions and provide information, guidance, and training on administering Naloxone (aka Narcan). Attendees may request a free nasal Narcan kit along with education on Narcan administration while supplies last. Representatives from local partner organizations will also be on-site to provide information.
In Whatcom County, the number of opioid overdoses is on the rise. Between 2020 and 2022, opioid overdose deaths among Whatcom County residents rose by 107%, and emergency department visits for opioid overdoses increased by 49% between 2022 and 2023.
“This event honors the memories of those we’ve lost and renews our commitment to preventing future tragedies,” said Dr. Amy Harley, Whatcom County Health and Community Services Health Officer. “We invite everyone in our community to join us in raising awareness and taking action to reduce overdose deaths.”
This come-and-go style event is intended as an opportunity for casual conversations with experts.
“A few minutes of your time can mean a lifetime for someone else,” said Steven Cohen, EMS Training Specialist. “Community awareness and Narcan training are important steps in creating a safer, more prepared community. Together, we can be the difference between life and death.”
Our upcoming event will let you find out more about:
- How to identify an overdose.
- How to respond to an overdose.
- How to use nasal naloxone.
- How to safely store naloxone.
- Good Samaritan laws, and any other questions.
More details will be announced via our Facebook Event.
Learn more about opioid overdoses and get local data at www.whatcomoverdoseprevention.org
Observed on August 31 every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
A full list of the IOAD 2024 events currently planned around the world can be found at: https://www.overdoseday.com/events-2024/
