New state policy on overdose-reversal drug goes into affect

On Aug. 28, Washington State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy signed a statewide standing order for naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.

The order works like a prescription and allows any person or organization in the state to get naloxone from a pharmacy.

An overdose of opioid drugs like prescription painkillers, heroin and fentanyl can cause a person’s breathing to slow or stop. Naloxone can be given as an injection or a nasal spray to someone experiencing an overdose. It works by temporarily blocking the effects of opioid drugs.

In 2018, 710 Washington residents died of...