GCHD seeks 'timely' reports regarding opioid overdoses

MOSES LAKE – Under a new local ordinance, healthcare providers and first responders in Grant County must now notify the county health district within 48 hours of diagnosing or responding to an opioid overdose.

The reports are expected to include location of the overdose, what drug was suspected, and whether naloxone – a medication used to rapidly reverse or reduce the effects of opioids – was used.

The timely collection of information regarding overdoses and the substances involved is needed to design “effective harm reduction, treatment, and prevention strategies,” according to the ordinance approved by the Grant County Board of Health during a Dec. 10 meeting.

The measure went into effect Jan. 1.

In Washington, healthcare providers are required to report certain diseases to local public health authorities, but overdoses are not among those reportable conditions. The Washington Department of Health does track drug overdoses, but there are “long reporting delays” in posting the data on statewide dashboards, according to the local health district.

Adding opioid overdoses to a list of reportable conditions is intended to provide a quicker response with “critical information on how to most appropriately respond to overdoses and the areas where they happen most,” Grant County health officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny said in a Jan. 7 press statement.

In 2024, Grant County experienced 176 emergency medical service responses from suspected opioid overdoses, and the number of related deaths has increased from 10 in 2020 to 26 in 2024, said local health officials. Statewide, early findings showed that over 3,100 persons died from drug overdoses in 2024 and 79% of those were due to opioids.

“Access to real-time data allows GCHD and community partners to respond with timely prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies,” the health district said. “Studies show that people who survive an overdose may be more open to treatment afterward. Timely follow-up and support can help connect people to lifesaving care.”

Opioids are potent, potentially addictive drugs with a high risk of overdose and death. They include fentanyl, oxycodone and hydrocodone (OxyContin and Vicodin), codeine, heroin, and morphine. Signs of an opioid overdose include unconsciousness, shallow or stopped breathing, faint heartbeat, very small pupils, an inability to speak, vomiting, pale skin, and purple lips and fingernails.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends that families with loved ones who struggle with opioid addiction to have naloxone – available as a prepackaged nasal spray such as Narcan – nearby and let friends know where it is. People should still call 911 immediately in the event of an overdose.

The state Department of Health has a “naxolone finder” on its website.

GCHD public information officer Lexi Smith said health district staff met directly with local EMS and fire stations regarding the ordinance, presented information at a regional EMS council meeting, and worked with the county medical program director for emergency medical services to “ensure the process aligns with established healthcare procedures.”

“No concerns were raised during these discussions, and we will continue to work closely with our healthcare partners to respond to any questions, concerns, or feedback as they arise,” said Smith.

Brzezny expressed his appreciation, saying, “I am grateful to my colleagues and partners for supporting the collection of this critical data that will help make Grant County a safer and healthier place.”

The health district said information must be submitted through GCHD's official reporting form using secure means of communication.