“Overdose Awareness Day” coming to Washington and to Tumwater

County overdose death rate is up 40 percent over 2020

Posted

Drug overdose remains a major issue within the state, which is why Tumwater recently declared August 31 as “Overdose Awareness Day” to help address the public health issue and remove the stigma associated with drug addiction.

Tumwater Mayor Peter Kmet made the announcement during the regular Tumwater City Council meeting on Monday, August 2. Kmet signed a special proclamation (see image, above) to raise awareness of drug overdose deaths as well as start various initiatives to help reduce the stigma from drug addiction. The initiatives the Tumwater mayor talked about related to the education, prevention, treatment, and recovery of substance abuse.

The special proclamation is in line with the state’s recognition of drug overdose as a public health issue, and encourages local governments to invest in initiatives that would help resolve the crisis.

As of today, there have been 46 deaths in Thurston County, plus there are 11 pending cases, according to Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock. With those 11 pending cases, “I expect the number [of deaths attributed to overdose] to increase,” Warnock told The JOLT today, adding, “that’s really concerning.” His office is waiting for toxicology reports before he can confirm the cause of death in those cases. 

Overdose deaths in Thurston County were 55 in 2020 and 48 in 2019. With 46 confirmed deaths as of today, one might predict 78 for the entire year of 2021, a 40 percent increase over 2020.

The city’s proclamation reads, “International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity for all Tumwater residents to stand beside those who have lost loved ones to an overdose and who have a substance use disorder and are diligently working towards recovery.”

Councilmember Leatta Dahlhoff shared that people remain at risk of accidental or intentional drug overdose. Dahlhoff noted that fatalities from drug overdose continues to increase across the state. Worse, the epidemic disproportionately affects marginalized populations, especially among the American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

According to the proclamation, the number of deaths from drug overdose continues to skyrocket. In 2020 alone, there were an estimated 1,724 deaths related to drug overdose within the state of Washington, a 37 percent increase compared to the previous year.

In her statement, Dalhoff claimed that overdoses from prescription opioids remain one of the major causes of death in rural areas. On the other hand, she claimed that illegal drugs are the primary causes of death in suburban and urban communities.

During the meeting, the council encouraged those who are struggling with substance abuse to call the Washington Recovery Helpline at 1-866-789-1511. The helpline is available 24 each day, and offers anonymous and confidential help for residents. The staff is composed of professionally trained volunteers who are equipped to provide emotional support. They also help residents in finding local treatment facilities and community resources to help in their recovery.

Mary Ann O’Garro, Senior Epidemiologist at Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, recognized the city’s efforts to help the members of their community who are struggling with substance abuse. “We really do appreciate this particular focus because overdose is preventable...there is treatment available, and treatment works.”

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here