WHAT IS BUPRENORPHINE? A Q&A ABOUT KING COUNTY’S NEW BUP HOTLINE

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider Leer en español Thanks to a new 24/7 ‘bup’ prescribing hotline, it’s easier than ever for people in King County to get started on medication to treat opioid use disorder. In partnership with the UW Department of Emergency Medicine, King County recently launched a telemedicine program that will provide on-demand access…

Integrating health care systems to support and care for people with substance use disorders  

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex conditions that continue to impact people from all walks of life. Like many communities across the nation, King County residents are seeing a rise in substance use disorders and overdoses, particularly with the tragic impacts of the fentanyl epidemic being felt across our communities.    This summer, DCHS published a…

Substance use prevention and early intervention: Key steps to reduce harm and prevent use before it starts  

Substance use disorders continue to impact people from all walks of life. As the understanding and science of addiction evolves, so too does our understanding of ways to prevent substance use disorder and increase support for communities. As a follow up to the blog post on substance use disorder treatment, we are taking a closer…

Providing support and care for people with substance use disorder: Treatment access in King County

In recent years, the pandemic has had a profound effect on mental health and substance use, with increasing numbers of people experiencing anxiety, depression, and loneliness. In 2021, there were over 106,600 deaths due to drug overdose in the U.S.—the highest on record. This reality is felt across the country, including here in King County, where…

Apply by July 10! RFP Opportunity: KCICN Training Academy Funding for Training Organizations 

We invite training organizations to apply for the KCICN Training Academy Fund. Selected organizations will have the unique opportunity to create several training resources that will be offered free of cost to agencies and staff within the KCICN. This initiative aims to support the training and stabilization of the KCICN workforce. The anticipated release date is June 5, 2023 on ZoomGrants.

What we all can do to reduce stigma around substance use disorder

Cross-posted on Public Health Insider. The shame and stigma of living with substance use disorder (SUD) has prevented many people from getting the help and support they need. In the United States, more than 22 million people with SUD have recovered, but around 90 percent of people with SUD still don’t seek treatment due to…