Denise Banker, MEd., PhD.
Community Health Division Director
Jefferson County Public Health
360-385-9438
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) recognizes the opioid crisis in Jefferson County and continues to combat misinformation. Since 2016, JCPH has been providing opioid overdose medication at no cost to the public during syringe services program hours (Mon: 2 – 4 pm, Wed: 11 am – 1 pm, Fri: 2 – 4 pm). In February 2022, we expanded our services and now offer no cost opioid overdose medication and training to the public during our business hours.
In partnership with Washington State Department of Health, the medication we provide in our clinic for opioid overdose is naloxone nasal spray. JCPH has 11 staff members who are available to train the community and other agencies on recognizing signs of an overdose as well as administering naloxone to those experiencing an overdose. Naloxone is available at no cost at JCPH, 615 Sheridan St., Port Townsend, Monday thru Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. No one who requests naloxone from us is refused and no appointment is needed.
We do not and have not provided East Jefferson Fire Rescue with opioid overdose medication.
The signs of an opioid overdose include: person cannot be woken up; slow or no breathing; gurgling, gasping or snoring; clammy, cool skin; blue/grey lips or nails.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available through the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1-866-789-1511 or online at www.waRecoveryHelpLine.org.
Naloxone Kits are also available at pharmacies with no prescription (to find a location near you, https://stopoverdose.org/section/find-naloxone-near-you/). WA State Good Samaritan Law protects those seeking help and assisting during an overdose.
Original source can be found here.
