Skagit County's Opioid Crisis
A wide range of partners in Skagit County, including medical and treatment providers, social services, law enforcement, schools, families, public health, and others have been working to reduce opioid misuse and overdose in Skagit County since 2016.
Opioid Overdose and Naloxone
Opioid overdose is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency attention. Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose is essential to saving lives. To learn more about overdose, signs/symptoms and how to help, visit skagitrising.org.
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent and reverse overdose by opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. In WA State, anyone can carry and administer naloxone. To obtain naloxone at no cost, please contact Skagit County Public Health at 360-416-1500.
SkagitRising – Skagit County’s Opioid and Substance Use Resource Website
It can be difficult to find local information and tools regarding the opioid crisis in Skagit County, let alone all in one place. Thus, SkagitRising (www.skagitrising.org) was created to connect you to the information you are seeking. Whether you currently use substances, know someone who does, or just want to learn more, SkagitRising is the “place” for you.
Increase Knowledge
• Learn about opioids and substance use disorders.
• Learn how to prevent/reduce infections, overdose, and death.
• Learn about treatment and pathways to recovery.
Seek Help
• Review the list of local resources including crisis support, treatment and recovery programs, housing, legal services, and more.
Support Others
• Find information on how to get involved and help reduce the impact of substance use in Skagit County.
SkagitRising was created in collaboration between Skagit County Public Health, the Population Health Trust and the Opioid Workgroup Leadership Team.
Secure Medicine Return
The accumulation of leftover or unused medicines in our homes can unintentionally contribute to substance misuse, accidental poisonings, and environmental pollution. Find convenient locations with secure drop-off kiosks or obtain mail-back supplies at https://medtakebackwashington.org/.
Opioid Notifiable Condition Ordinance and Surveillance/Outreach Program
Ordinance 12.25 was passed in 2019 and requires that all health care providers notify Skagit County Public Health of an opioid overdose within 72 hours of diagnosis. Public Health collects and evaluates data which helps inform targeted strategies and interventions. Public Health attempts to contact every Skagit County resident who has experienced and overdose to check-in, learn more about the overdose event, and offer information/referral(s) to support services. Information/support services may include:
- Providing naloxone (Narcan)
- Education on the syringe exchange, fentanyl test strips, insurance, treatment and more
- Connecting to care coordination and/or other treatment and recovery services
Skagit County Syringe Exchange Program
The Skagit County Syringe Exchange Program offers 1:1 needle exchange, sharps containers, free Narcan kits and training, fentanyl test strips, education, referral to treatment and more. This mobile program helps reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C and reduces the number of contaminated needles in the public waste system. Call 360-415-1500 for information, or see the service schedule below.
Skagit County Mobile Syringe Exchange Schedule |
Mount Vernon |
Tuesday: 9am-12pm
· Coastal Farm & Ranch, 2021 Market Street
Thursday: 2-4pm
· Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Street |
Sedro-Woolley |
Tuesday: 1-4pm
· United General Hospital, 2000 Hospital Drive
Thursday: 9-11am
· Senior Center, 715 Pacific Avenue |
Burlington |
Thursday: 12-1:30pm
· Tierra Nueva, 701 E Fairhaven Avenue |
Concrete |
1st and 3rd Monday: 1-3pm
· Senior Center, 45821 Railroad Avenue |
Anacortes |
3rd Monday: 10am-11:30am
· Salvation Army, 3001 R Avenue |
Marblemount |
1st Monday
· Call Randall for time and site – 360-826-2661 |
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