Save a life: Washington state’s Good Samaritan laws protect you both from prosecution for drug possession.
Everyone Has A Why
At Grant County Health District, we care deeply about the well-being of our community. We’re committed to sharing ways we can all look out for one another, whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, or a loved one.
By opening conversations and reducing stigma, we highlight the power of community support, especially from trusted messengers like youth and local leaders.
Jose
Recovering Addict
Request Naloxone Training
Grant County Health District offers naloxone trainings to groups, businesses or individuals who want to learn how to administer naloxone.
During this training, GCHD’s Harm Reduction staff will cover key information about naloxone, including:
- What naloxone is and how it works
- When and how to use it, including signs of an overdose
- Where to access naloxone
- An overview of Washington’s Good Samaritan Law
This training empowers individuals with the knowledge and confidence to use naloxone effectively, potentially saving a life.
Trainings may be virtual or in-person depending on group size and location.
- Hey!
- Wyd?
- How Have You Been?
- You Need Anything?
- Everything Good?
- Good Morning!
- Thinking About You. How You Doing?
- Haven't Heard From You in a Bit. Everything Good?
- Let's Get Coffee!
- Wanna Get Some Food and Just Chill for a Bit?
- If You Ever Need an Exit, a Ride, or an Excuse, Just Hit Me Up.
- Hey!
- Wyd?
- How Have You Been?
- You Need Anything?
- Everything Good?
- Good Morning!
- Thinking About You. How You Doing?
- Haven't Heard From You in a Bit. Everything Good?
- Let's Get Coffee!
- Wanna Get Some Food and Just Chill for a Bit?
- If You Ever Need an Exit, a Ride, or an Excuse, Just Hit Me Up.
- If You Ever Need an Exit, a Ride, or an Excuse, Just Hit Me Up.
- Wanna Get Some Food and Just Chill for a Bit?
- Let's Get Coffee!
- Haven't Heard From You in a Bit. Everything Good?
- Thinking About You. How You Doing?
- Good Morning!
- Everything Good?
- You Need Anything?
- How Have You Been?
- Wyd?
- Hey!
- If You Ever Need an Exit, a Ride, or an Excuse, Just Hit Me Up.
- Wanna Get Some Food and Just Chill for a Bit?
- Let's Get Coffee!
- Haven't Heard From You in a Bit. Everything Good?
- Thinking About You. How You Doing?
- Good Morning!
- Everything Good?
- You Need Anything?
- How Have You Been?
- Wyd?
- Hey!
Signs of an OD
Know the Signs so You Can Save a Life.
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:
How to Administer Naloxone
GCHD encourages our community to carry naloxone, learn the signs of an overdose, and be a safe space for someone who may need it. Together, we can foster understanding, healing and hope.
Step 01
Identify Opioid Overdose & Check for a Response
Ask person if they are okay and shout their name.
Check for signs of opioid overdose:
- Will not wake up or respond to your voice or touch
- Breathing is very slow, irregular, or has stopped
- Center part of the eye is very small, sometimes called “pinpoint pupils”
Lay the person on their back to receive a dose of Nasal Spray Naloxone.
Step 02
Give Nasal Spray Naloxone
Remove Nasal Spray Naloxone from the box & peel back the tab with the circle to open.
Hold with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into either nostril. Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of Nasal Spray Naloxone. Remove from the nostril after giving the dose.
Step 03
Call For Emergency Medical Help, Evaluate, & Support
Get emergency medical help right away.
Move the person on their side (recovery position) after giving Nasal Spray Naloxone.
Watch the person closely.
If the person does not respond by waking up, to voice or touch, or breathing normally another dose may be given. Nasal Spray Naloxone may be dosed every 2 to 3 minutes, if available.
If additional Nasal Spray Naloxones are available, repeat step 2 every 2 to 3 minutes until the person responds or emergency medical help is received.
Where To Get Naloxone
Naloxone is available at various locations across Grant County. Our office provides free Naloxone to anyone no questions asked. You can also purchase it from any pharmacy.
Facts & FAQ
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What Is an Opioid?
Opioids are drugs that help with pain. Some are legal and prescribed by doctors after surgery, injury, or for cancer. Others are illegal and sold on the street. They work by changing how your brain feels pain.
Examples of opioids:
- Illegal:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl (when made illegally)
- Prescription (legal) pain meds:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin)
- Morphine (MS Contin)
- Codeine
- Methadone
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Illegal:
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What Causes an Overdose?
An overdose happens when someone takes too much of an opioid, and their body can’t handle it. This can cause them to pass out and stop breathing—which can lead to death if they don’t get help.
Things that increase the risk of overdose:
- Using opioids again after taking a break (your body loses tolerance)
- Taking more than your prescribed dose—or taking someone else’s meds
- Using drugs bought on the street (they might have fentanyl in them)
- Mixing opioids with alcohol or other drugs like benzos (Valium, Xanax), sleeping pills, cocaine, or meth
- Using opioids alone—no one can help if something goes wrong
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Where Can I Get Help for Myself or a Friend?
There are free or low-cost places to get help and support — whether it’s for you or someone you care about.
- Washington Teen Link – Home
- Washington Recovery Help Line – 1.866.789.1511
- StopOverdose.org
- Narcotics Anonymous
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Renew Crisis Center – Grant County, WA
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What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a super-strong opioid. It’s tasteless, odorless, and just a tiny bit (like two grains of salt) can cause an overdose. It’s very dangerous, especially when mixed into other drugs.
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Can You Overdose by Touching Fentanyl?
No. You cannot overdose just by touching fentanyl. Overdoses happen when it gets into your body—like when it’s swallowed, snorted, or injected.
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What Drugs Might Have Fentanyl in Them?
Sadly, a lot of street drugs can be mixed with fentanyl—including pills, powders, and even fake versions of real medications. These fake pills can look exactly like real ones, so you can’t tell the difference.
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Does Naloxone Really Work?
Yes! Naloxone (also called Narcan) can save someone’s life during an opioid overdose—if used correctly.
Sometimes more than one dose is needed. If the person doesn’t wake up after 3 minutes, give a second dose right away.
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What’s the Difference Between Naloxone and Narcan?
They’re the same thing.
Narcan® is just a brand name for naloxone, like how Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen.
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Do I Need a Prescription for Naloxone?
Nope! In Washington State, you don’t need a prescription or to see a doctor. Anyone can get it from a pharmacy or other naloxone distribution places.
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Do I Need to Be 18 to Get Naloxone?
No! People of any age can get naloxone. There’s no age limit.
Resources
Your Toolkit to Saving a Life.
Help reduce the negative impact of behaviors associated with substance use in both individuals and at the community level. You can use our assets and strategies, to reduce the harm that individuals with substance abuse disorder experience.
- How to Administer Naloxone Download our guide to administering Naloxone
- Social Media Assets Download our social media designs so you can spread the word
- Campaign Brand Guide Download our brand guide so you can make your own creative
- Naloxone Stickers Download our stickers so you can spread the word
