DSHS stocks Narcan dispensers in offices through partnerships with DOH, King County
DSHS stocks Narcan dispensers in offices through partnerships with DOH, King County
DSHS is committed to making a difference in the fight against the opioid crisis. As part of the agency’s ongoing effort to help communities feel safe and supported, in November 2024, the DSHS Economic Services Administration Harm Reduction Team started a pilot project to provide Narcan and fentanyl test strips that the public can access through a dispenser installed at the local Community Services Office in Kelso, Washington.
Also known as naloxone, Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Recent reports suggest increased access to Narcan may contribute to a decrease in opioid-related deaths across the country. By having Narcan readily available, DSHS can provide swift response and emergency aid during opioid-related events. DSHS has supplied Narcan to its offices for more than five years and has administered Narcan to 60 people experiencing a suspected overdose since 2019.
“We believe that this initiative is a vital step in fostering a secure and supportive environment for our clients, visitors and staff,” said Nicole Ross, deputy assistant secretary for DSHS’ Economic Services Administration, which operates Community Services Offices.
Since putting the dispenser in the Kelso CSO, it has been a critical resource in emergency situations, providing immediate access to life-saving medication for suspected opioid overdose incidents. Thanks to a recent partnership with the Department of Health, the agency will be able to keep the Kelso dispenser stocked. In February 2025, DSHS expanded the pilot to the Belltown and White Center CSOs. And, thanks to another recent partnership with King County Public Health, the Overdose Prevention and Response Program will keep the dispensers at these locations stocked with Narcan and fentanyl test strips.
Before the pilot project started, these DSHS offices were counted among the top five locations for drug-related incidents out of 50 ESA offices throughout Washington state. Since installing the dispensers, the Belltown office has had only one overdose. Kelso and White Center have had no overdoses.
“While it’s still early, these are notable declines when we consider the success of our initial Narcan dispenser pilot in Kelso,” said Carla Reyes, ESA’s assistant secretary. The pilot project’s success at the Kelso, White Center and Belltown CSOs prompted ESA to request partnership with the Washington State Department of Health and Ella Bannister, director of DOH’s strategic community programs, to expand and bring dispensers to the Pierce North (Tacoma) and Kennewick CSOs.
With support from these community partners, DSHS is seeing, in real time, that this type of program works. The agency is exploring grant opportunities and other partnerships to expand the pilot project to other high-need offices.
