A public health crisis
Opioid-related overdose is the most common cause of accidental death in Pierce County, outnumbering motor-vehicle collision and firearm deaths.
Fentanyl, a strong and fast-acting synthetic opioid, is now the main form of opioid sold on the street and online. It’s in drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, and fake prescription opioid pills. Many people know they use it. Others don’t know it’s in their drugs or don’t how much is in their drugs. That makes their risk of death much higher.
Deaths and emergency visits from overdoses involving stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are also on the rise. Neighboring counties are starting to see overdoses related to tranquilizers like Xylazine.
The Pierce County Opioid Task Force works to reduce stigma, improve health, raise awareness, and remove barriers for people with substance use disorder. Contact pcotf@tpchd.org to get involved or learn more.
Resources
Prescription monitoring
Prescribing guidelines and clinical advice
- CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain, 2022.
- HCA’s Apple Health (Medicaid) opioid clinical policy, 2019.
- Opioid use in pregnancy.
- UW pain & opioid provider hotline
- UW TelePain—Weekly consultation with pain specialists to help manage challenging chronic pain cases.
Other
- Health care provider trainings from CDC
- Local medication-assisted treatment (MAT) providers.
- Washington State standing order to dispense Naloxone.
- Patient guide on opioid risks with provider considerations for medication tapering.
- School Overdose Prevention Resources.
Patient materials
Screening, brief intervention & referral to treatment (SBIRT)
Implementing SBIRT in your practice
SBIRT Oregon offers an online video training and other resources to address alcohol, drug use and depression with patients.
Screening forms
SBIRT Oregon offers screening forms in 7 languages, including editable versions.
- Brief screening form—Screen adults for alcohol, drug use and depression.
- Adult drug screening questionnaire.
- Teen health screen—Screen youth for alcohol, drug use and depression.
- Pregnant and postpartum patients—Screen for tobacco, alcohol, drug use, depression and intimate partner violence.