Washington State Healthcare Authority launches “Friends for Life” program for teen overdose prevention

The Washington State Healthcare Authority has recently launched a program aimed at reducing the number of teen overdose deaths in the state. The “Friends for Life” program provides information on how to recognize and treat a drug overdose, as well as links on how to obtain the anti-overdose medication, Naloxone.

Program offers overdose prevention measures

The Friends for Life program offers comprehensive information on how to prevent and treat drug overdoses. The program provides detailed steps on how to recognize an overdose, including signs such as slow or shallow breathing, blue lips or nails, and pinpoint pupils. It also offers advice on how to provide help to someone experiencing an overdose, such as calling 911 and administering Naloxone.

One unique aspect of the program is that it encourages teens to carry Naloxone with them at all times. The website provides links on how to obtain the medication, and also offers free downloads of posters, stickers, buttons, and flyers to promote awareness of the program.

Good Samaritan laws protect those who provide medical help

The Friends for Life program also reminds teens that they cannot be penalized for providing medical help to someone who is overdosing. This is due to the state’s Good Samaritan laws, which protect individuals who attempt to help someone in need of medical assistance.

Program launched in response to rising overdose deaths

The Friends for Life program comes in response to the rising number of overdose deaths in Washington state. In King County alone, there have been 463 overdose deaths reported so far in 2023, and the state is on track to break last year’s record of over 1,000 overdose deaths.

The program aims to equip teens with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent overdoses and provide assistance in the case of an emergency. By encouraging teens to carry Naloxone and providing information on how to recognize and treat an overdose, the Friends for Life program has the potential to save countless lives in Washington state and beyond.

1.

Frequently Asked Question

• What is the Washington State Healthcare Authority?

  The Washington State Healthcare Authority is a government agency responsible for administering healthcare programs in the state of Washington. It oversees programs such as Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, among others.

2.

Frequently Asked Question

• What is Naloxone, and how does it work?

  Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, which can help restore normal breathing and prevent death. Naloxone can be administered as a nasal spray or injection.

3.

Frequently Asked Question

• What is the Friends for Life program?

  The Friends for Life program is a healthcare initiative in Washington State that aims to reduce the number of overdose deaths among teens by providing education and resources related to drug overdoses. The program offers information on how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer Naloxone to reverse its effects.

4.

Frequently Asked Question

• What are Good Samaritan Laws?

  Good Samaritan Laws are laws that provide legal protection to individuals who give reasonable assistance to those who are injured or in danger, without expecting compensation or reward. In the case of drug overdoses, Good Samaritan Laws may protect individuals from criminal prosecution or other legal consequences if they attempt to help someone who is overdosing, even if drugs are present at the scene.

5.

Frequently Asked Question

• Why does King County have a high number of overdose deaths?

  There are several factors that may contribute to the high number of overdose deaths in King County. These include the availability and use of opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, as well as the prevalence of other