Reducing Impact of Opioids

Editorial: Health district should adopt needle exchange (05/13/2018 Herald)

By Abby Jernberg / May 13, 2018 / Comments Off on Editorial: Health district should adopt needle exchange (05/13/2018 Herald)

It’s been a part of Everett’s street culture since 1988, the early years of efforts to address the AIDS epidemic and the “bleach and teach” outreach to those using injectable drugs to stop sharing needles and to sterilize the syringes in order to reduce transmission of HIV and other diseases. That legacy remains in its…

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Senator Discusses Opioids With Washington State Officials (05/04/2018 US News & World Report)

By Abby Jernberg / May 4, 2018 / Comments Off on Senator Discusses Opioids With Washington State Officials (05/04/2018 US News & World Report)

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell met with officials in northwest Washington state to discuss the impact of the opioid crisis on the area and how the federal government might be more effective in dealing with the matter. The Daily Herald reports the Democratic senator outlined legislation she’s working on to the Snohomish…

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Needle Clean-Up Kit, disposal program expands (05/02/2018 North County Outlook article)

By Abby Jernberg / May 2, 2018 / Comments Off on Needle Clean-Up Kit, disposal program expands (05/02/2018 North County Outlook article)

Since rolling out the free needle clean-up kit program in September 2017, over 800 kits have been distributed by the Snohomish Health District. These kits have ensured the safe and proper disposal of more than 10,000 syringes. Starting April 25 — and as a result of Opioid Response Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group efforts — the…

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Snohomish County set to open addiction 'diversion center' (05/01/2018 KING5)

By Abby Jernberg / May 1, 2018 / Comments Off on Snohomish County set to open addiction 'diversion center' (05/01/2018 KING5)

A “diversion center” is set to open up later this month in an old work-release center at the Snohomish County jail. It doesn’t look like much, but to those on the front lines of Snohomish County’s opioid epidemic, it’s a game changer. “We’re super excited,” said Deputy Bud McCurry. “We’ve got clients on the streets…

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Snohomish County officials work to help homeless people suffering from addiction (05/01/2018 Q13)

By Abby Jernberg / May 1, 2018 / Comments Off on Snohomish County officials work to help homeless people suffering from addiction (05/01/2018 Q13)

EVERETT, Wash. — Snohomish County officials are working to save the lives of homeless people addicted to heroin and opioids. State officials say in 2016, 90 people died from opioid and heroin abuse in Snohomish County. Officials in the county are planning to open the doors to a diversion center. The goal is to get…

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Edmonds City Council hears from County Executive on emergency opioid response (05/01/2018 MyEdmondsNews article)

By Abby Jernberg / May 1, 2018 / Comments Off on Edmonds City Council hears from County Executive on emergency opioid response (05/01/2018 MyEdmondsNews article)

At its regular Tuesday meeting, the Edmonds City Council heard a presentation from Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and two of his staff on their efforts to implement a strategic approach to confronting the growing opioid crisis in our area. “Opioid abuse has been with us for a long time,” Somers said, “but in the…

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The Opioid Crisis' Side Effect That Anyone Can Feel (04/26/2018 Governing article)

By Abby Jernberg / April 26, 2018 / Comments Off on The Opioid Crisis' Side Effect That Anyone Can Feel (04/26/2018 Governing article)

Dirty needles littering public parks may sound like a relic of 1980s drug use and urban decay. But as America’s opioid crisis has worsened in recent years, governments are once again confronted with the problem. This time, however, the issue isn’t confined to big cities. “It’s a visible reminder of what we’re facing,” says Jessica…

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Needle Clean-Up Kit and Disposal Program Expands in Snohomish County (04/25/2018 news release)

By Abby Jernberg / April 25, 2018 / Comments Off on Needle Clean-Up Kit and Disposal Program Expands in Snohomish County (04/25/2018 news release)

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Since rolling out the free needle clean-up kit program in September 2017, over 800 kits have been distributed by the Snohomish Health District. These kits have ensured the safe and proper disposal of more than 10,000 syringes. Starting today—and as a result of Opioid Response Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group efforts—the program is…

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The Opioid Crisis: Snohomish County providing free needle-disposal kits to public (04/24/2018 Q13)

By Abby Jernberg / April 24, 2018 / Comments Off on The Opioid Crisis: Snohomish County providing free needle-disposal kits to public (04/24/2018 Q13)

EVERETT, Wash. —  A new push is underway to tackle a visible and dangerous part of the opioid problem in Snohomish County. One in six of Washington’s opioid overdose deaths occur in Snohomish County, even though the county only makes up 10 percent of the state’s population As a result, used needles litter the streets, parks,…

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More needle cleanup and disposal kits available to residents (04/24/2018 Herald article)

By Abby Jernberg / April 24, 2018 / Comments Off on More needle cleanup and disposal kits available to residents (04/24/2018 Herald article)

EVERETT — A program that provides free kits to help people safely clean up and dispose of needles is set to expand around Snohomish County. Starting Wednesday, needle clean-up kits are to be available at five locations. New safe disposal sites are being added, as well. The kits will be at the Snohomish Health District,…

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