Drug overdose deaths are a serious public health crisis in the United States, affecting millions of people and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 93,000 people died of a drug overdose in 2020, the highest number ever recorded. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, as many people faced increased stress, isolation, and disruption of treatment and harm reduction services.
While the opioid epidemic has hit every state in the nation, some areas have been more severely impacted than others. In Washington state, the rate of drug overdose deaths has increased by more than 66 percent from 2019 to 2021, surpassing 2,000 fatalities in a single year. Among the counties in Washington, one city stands out as the most affected by the drug crisis: Spokane.
Spokane: The Drug Overdoses Capital of Washington
Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington, with a population of about 222,000 people. It is located in the eastern part of the state, near the border with Idaho. Spokane is known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and economic opportunities. However, it is also facing a devastating problem with drug addiction and overdose.
According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Spokane County had the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the state in 2020, with 51.4 deaths per 100,000 residents. This is more than double the state average of 24.9 deaths per 100,000 residents, and higher than any other county in Washington. Spokane County also had the highest number of drug overdose deaths in absolute terms, with 291 fatalities in 2020.
The main driver of the overdose crisis in Spokane is the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, or counterfeit pills, without the user’s knowledge.
This increases the risk of overdose, as even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal. In 2020, fentanyl was involved in 72 percent of the drug overdose deaths in Spokane County, up from 18 percent in 2019.
Spokane County has also seen a rise in the use of methamphetamine, a stimulant drug that can cause paranoia, psychosis, and heart problems. Methamphetamine was involved in 59 percent of the drug overdose deaths in Spokane County in 2020, up from 46 percent in 2019. Methamphetamine and fentanyl are often used together, creating a dangerous combination that can overwhelm the body’s systems.
What is Being Done to Address the Overdose Crisis in Spokane?
The drug overdose crisis in Spokane is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response from various stakeholders. Some of the efforts that are being implemented or proposed to prevent and reduce drug overdose deaths in Spokane include:
Expanding access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The DOH has distributed more than 20,000 doses of naloxone to first responders, community organizations, and individuals at risk of overdose in Spokane County since 2019. The DOH also launched the “Prevent Overdose WA” campaign, which provides information and resources on how to obtain and use naloxone.
Increasing availability of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines behavioral therapy and medications, such as buprenorphine or methadone, to help people with opioid use disorder. The DOH has funded several programs to expand MAT access in Spokane County, such as the Hub and Spoke model, which connects primary care providers with specialty addiction treatment services.
Enhancing data collection and analysis on drug overdose deaths. The DOH has developed a new Unintentional Drug Overdose Data dashboard, which provides detailed information on the characteristics and circumstances of each overdose death, such as the type and source of drugs involved, the location and setting of the death, and the demographic profile of the decedent. This data can help identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for intervention and prevention.
Supporting harm reduction strategies, such as syringe exchange programs, safe consumption sites, and drug checking services. These approaches aim to reduce the negative consequences of drug use, such as infection, disease, and overdose, without requiring abstinence or judgment.
Spokane County has one of the oldest and largest syringe exchange programs in the state, which serves more than 3,000 people per year and provides sterile syringes, wound care, testing, and referrals. However, other harm reduction services, such as safe consumption sites and drug checking, are not currently available or legal in Spokane County.
Conclusion
Spokane is a city that is facing a serious and urgent challenge with drug overdose deaths. The opioid epidemic, fueled by the emergence of fentanyl and the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, has claimed hundreds of lives and devastated thousands of families in Spokane County. While there are some efforts underway to address the crisis, more needs to be done to prevent and reduce drug overdose deaths in Spokane.
This requires a collaborative and compassionate approach that recognizes drug addiction as a chronic and treatable disease, not a moral failing or a criminal offense. By investing in evidence-based and person-centered policies and programs, Spokane can hope to overcome the drug overdose crisis and create a healthier and safer community for all.