Announcements

The Department of Health (DOH) is reaching out to individuals and communities who have experienced health inequities or racism in the health care system. Advocacy groups and health care professional associations are also invited.

This is an effort to learn how people are harmed due inequities in the health care system, so we can create positive change. Information we gather from listening sessions will be used in future workshops to create rules for health equity continuing education. 

DOH recognizes that sharing experiences about this subject may be difficult. We recognize and appreciate the emotional labor that will take place. We will make an intentional effort to create a safe space for participants and staff during this process. Sharing your experience is voluntary and it is up to you how you would like to share. If speaking in a group setting does not work for you, there is an option for written comments. No matter how you choose to take part, please know your willingness to engage in this process is greatly appreciated.

During these listening sessions, we will ask the following questions:

• What does health equity mean to you?
• What are your experiences with health inequities and how have they affected you?
• How can health care professionals improve so that they are providing fair healthcare?
• Is there anything else DOH needs to take into consideration?

Four sessions will be held, with login details on the Athena calendar: February 1, 10, 15, and 24.

Your efforts to empower teens and young adults to make informed decisions about drugs and alcohol and to support their mental health are more important than ever. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) invites you to join in during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week^® (NDAFW), March 21–27, 2022. NDAFW is a week-long national health observance highlighting the science-based facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction.

During NDAFW, you can use NIDA’s resources to help support teens, increasing protective factors to help reduce negative outcomes.

Here’s how to get involved:

1. Check out these five steps to hosting an NDAFW event.
2. Find lesson plans and other materials for educators, counselors, and prevention specialists.
3. Register your event online to have your event listed on NIDA’s events map. It takes only a few minutes to register.

The University of Washington's Addictions, Drugs, and Alcohol Institute (ADAI) released two new resources: a report on increasing opioid deaths and a webpage supporting a new state law.

The report is self-descriptive: Dramatic Increases in Opioid Overdose Deaths Due to Fentanyl Among Young People in Washington. 

The SB 5195-WA State’s 2021 naloxone law webpage from stopoverdose.org, shares resources regarding Washington State's new law, 2SSB 5195, “Concerning prescribing opioid overdose reversal medication,” that went into effect on January 1, 2022. The law requires behavioral health agencies and hospitals to prescribe or distribute naloxone to patients at risk of opioid overdose. 

Since 2011, with your help,Strengthing Famiies Washinton has honored 281 parents and caregivers in Washington for the roles they have taken with their families, schools and communities. They have been recognized because they have shown strength, courage and empathy in their communities. This year, parents and primary caregivers have been called upon more than ever to be the buffer for the traumatic experiences that our world has been facing and we want to show our appreciation. Please help us in honoring 28 more by nominating a parent/primary caregiver/guardian for the Unsung Hero award. The nomination form is available in three languages (English, Spanish and Somali) and can also be found on our website.

All nominations must be submitted by January 17, 2022.