MYNORTHWEST NEWS

As Washington overdoses continue to rise, half of OD-linked deaths attributed to fentanyl

Apr 14, 2022, 6:01 AM | Updated: 7:05 am

Fentanyl...

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

New data from Washington state health officials shows the number of people dying from drug overdoses has continued to rise, and many of those deaths have been linked to fentanyl.

Overdose deaths topped 2,000 in 2021, a more than 66% increase over 2019, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

Fentanyl is attributed as one of the culprits for the rise in overdose deaths, 50% of which are credited to the more lethal opioid. Fentanyl overdose deaths have increased about 10-fold since 2016.

‘Not enough to just say ‘no’ to drugs:’ Bereaved Mukilteo mother on the need for fentanyl education

Chief Science Officer Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett says people who use drugs should now assume any drugs bought on the street, online, or from a friend contain fentanyl.

“Overdose deaths are a public health emergency, and fentanyl is a major driver,” wrote Dr. Sheng Kwan-Gett in a news release.

“What looks like a prescription oxycodone pill could be a counterfeit with more than enough fentanyl to kill. People who use drugs should assume that any drugs bought on the street, online, or from a friend has fentanyl.”

He also says people should consider carrying at least two doses of naloxone to help prevent opioid overdose deaths.

MyNorthwest News

Photo: Suspects shot out of a stolen Chevy Tahoe in Pierce County....

Julia Dallas

Watch: Pierce County deputies shot at in midst of stolen SUV arrest

An arrest in Pierce County could have turned deadly after suspects in a stolen SUV shot at deputies in Parkland.

3 hours ago

Gavel law courts...

Luke Duecy

More charges of sexual assault aimed at Sumner basketball coach

The former Sumner High School head basketball coach charged with sexually assaulting his players is being arraigned on more charges.

3 hours ago

Image: Seattle Police Department activity on South Jackson Street between 12th Avenue and 10th Aven...

Steve Coogan

Suspect arrested following series of Seattle stabbings; 5 injured Friday

The Seattle Police Department reported it arrested a suspect after a mass stabbing in the Chinatown-International District left five injured.

3 hours ago

Image: President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at J.S. Dorton Arena, Mond...

Associated Press

FBI thwarts Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump

The Justice Department on Friday disclosed an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Donald Trump, charging one man.

4 hours ago

Photo: Beyonce appears at a campaign event for Kamala Harris in Houston, on Oct. 25, 2024. She is a...

Maria Sherman, AP Music Writer

Beyoncé leads the 2025 Grammy noms, becoming the most nominated artist in the show’s history

Welcome to Beyoncé country. When it comes to the 2025 Grammy Award nominations, “Cowboy Carter” rules the nation.

6 hours ago

Racist text...

Bill Kaczaraba

Gee Scott: Racist texts show ‘large population’ feels African Americans should go back to picking cotton

Black and Hispanic Americans, including women and children as young as middle school, have received racist text messages.

6 hours ago

As Washington overdoses continue to rise, half of OD-linked deaths attributed to fentanyl