The Pierce County Overdose Awareness Campaign event held on Wednesday, Sept. 1 was highly successful and included an overview of overdose education and the importance of Naloxone distribution in the region.

For instance, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) Treatment Services reports that more than 120 patients have been saved from overdoses since 2019 through the use of Narcan kits.

“In August 2021 alone, 19 lives were saved with Narcan kits!” said Kayla Luke, TPCHD Drug Addiction Treatment Counselor.

The virtual event, led by Chelsea Amato, TPCHD Opioid Task Force Coordinator, featured powerful speeches and performances by guest speakers including:

Madison LeFever, Singer/Songwriter
Charnay Ducrest, Treatment Services Counselor, TPCHD
Sean Hemmerle, Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Consultant, WA State DOH
Kayla Luke, Treatment Services Counselor, TPCHD
Paul Lakosky, Executive Director, Dave Purchase Project

“I’m so proud of how everyone came together to make a positive impact on our community through this event,” said Stephanie Wood, TPCHD Program Analyst and Community Liaison.

To view a recording of the event, please visit our YouTube channel. Read more about the Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Task Force.

2021 Pierce County Overdose Awareness Campaign Event Recap