Deschutes County Health Services identifies increase in overdose fatalities

en español

Deschutes County Health Services has identified a recent increase in overdose fatalities and want to alert those who use substances and their families and friends to take additional precautions. Four overdose fatalities within a six-day period appear to be linked to the use of fentanyl and in combination with other substances. Please be aware of the signs of overdose.

For information about opioids, fentanyl, and response, visit www.deschutes.org/stopoverdose.

Recognizing and responding to an overdose can save a life. Here are some signs and symptoms of an overdose to look for:

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”

• Falling asleep or losing consciousness

• Slow, weak, or no breathing

• Choking or gurgling sounds

• Limp body

• Cold and/or clammy skin

• Discolored skin, especially in lips and nails

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids —including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications — when given in time.

Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry. There are two forms of Naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: prefilled nasal spray and injectable.

If you need Naloxone, please visit participating pharmacies or your local syringe exchange program www.deschutes.org/harmreduction.

The Deschutes County Harm Reduction Program recommends the following steps and strategies for community members: 

1.  Assume any substance purchased on the street may contain unknown substances.

2. Make sure everyone in the area can access Naloxone (aka Narcan) and knows how to administer it.

3. Naloxone is safe. Even if naloxone is given to someone who is not experiencing an overdose, it will not harm them.

Get Support: If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol use, here are some resources that can help:

• Drug and Alcohol Helpline: (800) 923-4357) or Text: ‘Recovery Now’ to 839863. Help line for individuals and family members seeking crisis intervention, treatment referral, and chemical-dependency information. linesforlife.org/alcohol-and-drug-helpline

• Crisis Services: Contact the crisis line by dialing 988 or (541) 322-7500 x9 or call (800) 875-7364 (toll free) or

• Stabilization Center at 63311 NE Jamison Street Bend, OR 97703 which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/crisis-services

• Youth Crisis line: (877) 968-8491 Text: ‘teen2teen’ to 839863.  A teen-to-teen crisis and helpline for youth and teens. Teens available to help daily from 4 -10 p.m. (off-hour calls are answered by the crisis line) oregonyouthline.org

• Mental Health Care Services: (541) 322-7500 to schedule an initial appointment with the Access Team to access counseling, substance use treatment, peer support services, and more.

Media Contact: Ana Woodburn, Harm Reduction Overdose Prevention and Response Coordinator, 541-647-9389