The Fentanyl Crisis

Our beliefs shape our willingness to aid those affected. 

Breaking the Stigma – Why is it Important?

Misconceptions about substance use disorders contribute to harmful stereotypes and it’s essential to recognize that addiction is a disease that alters brain chemistry. The fentanyl crisis touches individuals across demographics, so it is our collective responsibility to educate ourselves, speak against false information, and take action.

Since 2022, in Whatcom County:
reported overdose-related deaths
0
opioid-related overdose calls
0

Overdose-related deaths in our community have markedly increased every year since 2018, seemingly following the introduction of fentanyl to the drug supply.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a very powerful synthetic opioid drug that is medically used to treat severe pain or used for patients with chronic pain who are tolerant to other opioids. Fentanyl is highly addictive and can be deadly, even in small doses. To put it into perspective, it is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Prescription forms of fentanyl are typically available as tablets, an injectable liquid, and patches. Fentanyl produced clandestinely is usually seen in powder or liquid form or mixed with other drugs in pill form. With being a highly addictive drug, the symptoms of withdrawal include feelings of panic, sleeplessness, bad chills and sweats, muscle pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  

What is Naloxone?

Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system and with high enough doses, they can cause breathing to stop completely. Fentanyl’s strength increases the risk of overdose substantially. Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses opioid overdose, including fentanyl. This life-saving medication comes in two forms: a nasal spray and an injectable. Naloxone is legal for laypersons to carry and administer in Washington State and can be easily and safely administered by people without medical training. It’s important to note that Naloxone only works on opioids; it does not reverse the effects of any other drugs or alcohol. It also has no effect on someone who has not used opioids and is safe to use on children and those who are pregnant.

What Lydia Place is Doing

Lydia Place acknowledges that the fentanyl crisis is a large issue in Whatcom County and is taking action within our organization and partnering with external collaborators to address this issue.

However, we cannot fight this battle alone. As we expand our capacity with more staff to address this crisis, we are seeking more funding to continue to expand our programs and serve those affected by this crisis. In addition, affordable and sustainable housing is essential for families to be healthy and thrive.

  • Hosts staff trainings on substance use disorders and fentanyl.
  • Hired two Co-Occurring Mental Health and SUD Clinicians.
  • Offices stocked with Narcan; staff carry it for use.
  • Connects clients with community resources.
  • Seeks partnerships to address the crisis and educate the community

What You Can Do To Help

Sometimes the first step is to know what you are helping with. By watching this video, you’ve already taken the first step of education.

Learn how to administer Narcan:

Get Narcan:

  • The People’s Harm Reduction Alliance – Free naloxone mailed to you. 
  • Order Naloxone from Whatcom County Health and Community Services through Whatcom Overdose Prevention.   
  • Narcan Leave Behind Program through Whatcom County Emergency Medical Services. 
  • East Whatcom Regional Resource Center – call for availability at (360) 599-3944. 
  • Most pharmacies have over-the-counter naloxone available for purchase or through insurance, including Medicaid. Call your pharmacy to check availability.  
  • Organizations that wish to distribute Naloxone to community members can apply to the Washington Department of Health’s Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Program. Find out more here.

Follow these steps if you suspect someone of having an overdose:

  1. Check for a response. 

  2. Call 911. 

  3. Administer one Narcan. 

  4. Stay on the phone with 911. 

  5. Stay with the person and wait for help to arrive. 

Commonly Asked Questions

Other Resources

What does an overdose look like? 
Breathing will get very slow and may stop. They may look like they are sleeping. Lips and fingernails may appear pale, blue, or gray. 

Is Narcan/naloxone safe?  
Yes, it is a safe medication that works to reverse an opioid overdose. Use naloxone even if you’re not sure what kind of drugs someone took. 

What’s the difference between Naloxone and Narcan?  
Nothing. Naloxone is the generic name and Narcan is the brand name. They are the same. 

  • Whatcom Overdose Prevention – this website is intended to be a central location for the people and businesses of Whatcom County to access resources and information about overdose prevention and the opioid crisis.   
  • Visit whatcomoverdose.org or stopoverdose.org for info on how to respond to an overdose.