State Officials Take Action as Overdose Deaths Soar
In the Pacific Northwest, the battle against fentanyl is intensifying, with schools, jails, and city streets becoming the front lines. In response to the rising number of overdose deaths, state officials in Oregon and Washington have declared fentanyl a top priority.
Requesting Millions in Funding
Washington’s Democratic Governor, Jay Inslee, is set to ask lawmakers for approximately $64 million in additional funding for opioid treatment and prevention. Oregon’s Democratic Governor, Tina Kotek, has proposed declaring a fentanyl emergency in Portland and established a committee on addiction to address the issue before the Legislature reconvenes in February.
“Fentanyl: The Nuclear Weapon of Drugs”
During a press conference, Governor Inslee expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “One pill can now take your life. Fentanyl is the nuclear weapon of drugs, and we’ve got to up our game against this scourge.”
Deadly Surge in Fentanyl Deaths
The latest iteration of the ongoing opioid crisis has seen a surge in fentanyl-related fatalities, including among children. According to provisional figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, synthetic opioids were involved in more than 78,000 overdose deaths in the 12 months ending June 2023, accounting for 92% of all opioid overdose deaths during that period.
Distribution of Life-Saving Medications
Oregon and Washington are aiming to reduce fatalities by expanding the distribution of opioid overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone. Governor Inslee plans to equip first responders with naloxone and set up “smart” machines that dispense naloxone and other health supplies in areas with high rates of opioid overdoses. Oregon’s state health department intends to provide free opioid overdose reversal kits to middle and high schools.
Tackling the Crisis in Schools and Jails
With Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Washington disproportionately affected, Governor Inslee’s proposed budget includes funds for a campaign to raise awareness about opioids among tribal communities. Expanding access to treatment, including in jails, is another crucial goal. Studies have found that the majority of inmates meet the criteria for drug dependence or abuse, and overdose is a leading cause of death for people newly released from incarceration.
Medicaid Shifts Policy on Medication in Jails
The federal government plans to allow states to use Medicaid funds to pay for medications that help curb opioid use in state jails and prisons. This represents a significant policy shift, as the program previously prohibited the use of funds for incarcerated individuals. In the meantime, Governor Inslee aims to equip all city, county, and tribal jails in the state with medications for opioid use disorder. Furthermore, his opioid response plan seeks to expand treatment options in jails, including providing medication to those without prior prescriptions.
Curbing Public Drug Use
Public drug use has become increasingly visible in major cities like Portland and Seattle due to the growing homelessness crisis. Governor Kotek of Oregon has proposed a 90-day fentanyl emergency declaration by the state, Multnomah County, and the city of Portland. This declaration would establish a command center to improve coordination between law enforcement, outreach workers, and service providers. Governor Kotek has also urged providers to extend their hours of operation. In the upcoming legislative session, she hopes lawmakers will consider outlawing public drug use, a topic that has been widely discussed among Portland officials and lawmakers.
“Confronting Our Most Pressing Challenges”
Governor Kotek emphasizes the need for community-wide support, stating, “Confronting our most pressing challenges requires the hope and fortitude of an entire community.”