2020 overdose death rates show alarming trend; fentanyl partly to blame

OLYMPIA—Overdose deaths accelerated in Washington in 2020, increasing by 38% in the first half of 2020 compared to the first half of 2019. Most of that increase came from deaths involving fentanyl, a powerful opioid.

Preliminary data show 835 overdose deaths in the first six months of 2020 compared to 607 deaths in the first half of 2019. Fentanyl-involved deaths more than doubled from 137 to 309 during that time. Most deaths involved multiple substances.

The increase in overdose deaths was highest among groups already dealing with inequitable health outcomes: American Indian/Alaska Natives, Hispanic/Latinx, and Black people.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us,” said Bob Lutz, state medical advisor for the COVID-19 response. “Those Washingtonians with substance use disorder may have found themselves using more frequently, and unfortunately, the data suggest they are also overdosing more often.”

These data are even more concerning as many of the overdoses were caused by illicit fentanyl use, a powerful opioid many are unaware has entered the market. In Washington, fentanyl has been found in counterfeit pills made to look like prescription opioid pills (often with an imprint of “M30” or “A215”), as well as in powders and black tar heroin. People can’t necessarily tell if fentanyl is present based on taste, smell, or the look of the drug. People should assume that any drug not from a pharmacy could have fentanyl in it.

Not all overdoses have to end in death. Each of us can play an essential role in saving lives in our communities. If you use drugs, do your best not to use alone, and start slow using a tester amount to determine strength. If you must use alone, call Never Use Alone at 800-484-373, a no-judgment call service that stays on the line to keep the caller safe as they use. Others should know the signs of opioid overdose to help save lives. These include the inability to wake up, slow or no breathing, and blue, gray, or ashy skin, lips, or fingernails. 

Naloxone (also called Narcan) is a safe medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Those who spend time with people who may be at risk of overdosing should always have at least two doses of naloxone on hand as it may take more than one dose.

If someone may be overdosing, call 9-1-1, administer naloxone, and perform rescue breathing.

There is a statewide standing order in Washington to dispense naloxone, under RCW 69.41.095(5), which allows anyone to receive naloxone at a pharmacy without seeing a doctor first.

See StepOverdose.org for a comprehensive list of locations that provide naloxone, instructions on how to use it, and information specifically about fentanyl.

The Good Samaritan Overdose law, RCW 69.50.315, says the state will not prosecute the victim or anyone assisting with an overdose for drug possession.

The State Opioid Response Plan, found at https://tinyurl.com/rp44r4e7, details what Washington is doing to reduce opioid overdose deaths.

Help people struggling with opioid use disorder to find the proper care and treatment. Buprenorphine and methadone, two medications that treat opioid use disorder, can cut the risk of a fatal opioid overdose in half and support long-term recovery. If you or a loved one wants treatment or just want to learn more, go to the Washington Recovery Helpline at http://www.warecoveryhelpline.org or call 1-866-789-1511.

The DOH website at http://www.doh.wa.gov is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog Public Health Connection at https://medium.com/wadepthealth.