Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Pierce County. Our most recent data shows that while overdose deaths declined through much of 2024, the numbers trended back toward previous levels at the end of the year. Opioids, including synthetic opioids like Fentanyl, are a major driver of overdose death in Pierce County.
Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Task Force (OTF) is a partnership between Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, and Elevate Health. The Task Force works to address the opioid crisis by reducing stigma, improving health, raising awareness, and removing barriers to treatment for people with substance use disorder.
The OTF will hold its annual summit Friday, Aug. 22, in Tacoma. The summit provides a space for connection and resource sharing between everyone impacted by and working to respond to the opioid crisis in Pierce County.
Join us from 8:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at Historic 1625, located at 1625 S. Tacoma Way. Doors open at 8:15 a.m.
This year’s theme is Continuum of Care. We’ll explore opioid use prevention, treatment, and recovery in Pierce County. Agenda highlights include:
- An anti-stigma panel discussion.
- Task force committee reports.
- Facilitated discussions to identify concrete action steps for OTF to take in the next year.
Everyone is welcome! We’ll provide morning refreshments and lunch. Please register in advance to attend.
About Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s mission is to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County. As part of our mission, the Health Department tackles known and emerging health risks through policy, programs, and treatment to protect public health. Learn more at tpchd.org.