Whatcom County libraries will now provide free naloxone kits to community members through a partnership with the Washington State Department of Health.
The rise in overdose deaths in the county, as well as the importance of the library in rural communities as a connection to resources, prompted this move, Whatcom County Library Systems executive director Christine Perkins said in a press release.
Last year, 136 people in the county died due to an overdose, according to preliminary numbers from the Whatcom County Dashboard. Eight people have died in 2024 from suspected overdoses so far.
Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses from heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications when administered in time. The kits at the library branches will contain nasal spray, according to the release. Anyone can administer naloxone without medical training. Supplies in the branches will be limited but will be refilled periodically as the system obtains additional doses.
[ Read more: Everyone should carry naloxone. Here’s how to get it ]
[ Read more: What to do if you see a suspected overdose ]
“We’ve already distributed nearly 200 naloxone kits and have ordered more from the Washington State Department of Health’s Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) program,” Perkins said.
“The response from community members indicates the need. We are grateful to work with medical professionals at our state and county health departments to offer improved access to this potentially life-saving medication at WCLS branches.”
Whatcom County Library System has 10 branch locations: Blaine Library, Deming Library, Everson Library, Ferndale Library, Island Library on Lummi Island, Lynden Library, North Fork Library in Kendall, Point Roberts Library, South Whatcom Library in Sudden Valley and Sumas Library. The bookmobile will also carry naloxone kits.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
