King County Logs Deadliest Spike In Overdoses Over 2 Weeks

KING COUNTY, WA — Public health officials sounded the alarm Thursday after King County recorded its highest-ever number of overdose deaths in a two-week period.

Public Health - Seattle & King County said the medical examiner's office identified 42 suspected or confirmed overdose deaths between Dec. 29, 2020, and Jan. 9, 2021. Officials said the grim record represented a doubling in the average number of fatal overdoses recorded weekly through most of 2020.

The deaths occurred across much of the county and fell into similar age groups as typically seen, officials said. Half of those who died were between the ages of 36 and 55. A notable change in the recent deaths was that 45 percent of the victims were women, which public health officials said is more than usual.

Preliminary tests showed the most recent overdoses involved multiple types and drugs, with 17 likely including methamphetamine and seven believed to be linked to fentanyl. Final toxicology results are still pending.

Public health officials said the cause of the spike is "likely a complex picture," including the mental health effects associated with the prolonged coronavirus pandemic.

"For so many of us, we have less in-person support and less access to activities that can help us cope with daily stresses," wrote Sharon Bogan, with Public Health - Seattle & King County. "This can be challenging, particularly for those who have struggled with drugs and alcohol."

Brad Finegood, a behavioral health advisor for the county, also highlighted the importance of checking in with friends and family and learning about the resources available for those who need help.

"It is more important than ever to check on those who you think may be struggling, either with stress, anxiety, depression, other behavioral health issues or increase in drug misuse," Finegood said. "There are many different options available for people who may be considering a path to treatment. Just in the past few months, 80 health providers in our region completed the necessary training to be able to prescribe buprenorphine — the effective medication to treat opioid use disorder and there is treatment available across the county."

Here are a few recommendations from Public Health - Seattle & King County for those struggling with addiction:

• Consider reaching out for mental health referrals or substance use services through the county by calling 206-263-8997.
• Health providers can prescribe some treatments for opioid addiction, like buprenorphine, via telemedicine.
• It is important to have naloxone available.
• Do not use drugs alone.
• If you suspect an overdose, call 911 right away. The Good Samaritan Law protects you and the person overdosing from drug possession charges.
• Seek treatment for drug use disorder to help stop using drugs – call the Washington Recovery Hotline for treatment resources at 1-866-789-1511.