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Washington Poison Center Hosts Free Virtual Series on Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) will host a free virtual series on overdose prevention and harm reduction every Tuesday in August. This year's series focuses on strategies for addressing overdose prevention, harm reduction, and response when resources are limited, as well as evidence-based approaches, emerging trends, and policy landscape surrounding overdose-related issues. The series aims to equip providers, community organizations, and individuals with practical strategies to reduce overdose risk and support individuals in their communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Washington Poison Center's virtual series on overdose prevention and harm reduction will take place every Tuesday in August, with sessions on August 5, 12, 19, and 26.
  • The series will focus on addressing overdose prevention, harm reduction, and response when resources are limited, as well as evidence-based approaches, emerging trends, and policy landscape surrounding overdose-related issues.
  • The reality of overdose in Washington continues to shift, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl remaining a key driver of mortality and harm.
  • The series is designed to equip providers, community organizations, and individuals with practical, evidence-based strategies that can be implemented even when resources are stretched thin.
  • Speakers will include experts from WAPC, other U.S. poison control centers, the Washington State Department of Health, the Washington State Health Care Authority, University of Washington, Washington State University, Seattle Children's Hospital, local health jurisdictions, and frontline harm reduction organizations.
  • Participants will leave with actionable tools and knowledge to help reduce overdose risk and support individuals in their communities, whether working in clinical care, public health, education, or community-based settings.
  • The series is sponsored by the We Work for Health Coalition of Washington State, Washington Health Care Authority Friends for Life Campaign, Washington Department of Health Teen Health Hub WA, and Washington Department of Health Drug User Health Program.

Statistics:

  • The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) operates 24/7 and provides life-saving information to everyone in Washington State at no cost.
  • The series will cover emerging and ongoing trends in overdose prevention and harm reduction.
  • Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are a key driver of mortality and harm in Washington State.
  • Limited resources are a concern for communities across Washington State when addressing overdose-related issues.
  • The virtual series will provide actionable tools and knowledge to reduce overdose risk and support individuals in their communities.

Sources:

  • Washington Poison Center
  • " Washington Poison Center Hosts Free Virtual Series on Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction" (July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/)
  • We Work for Health Coalition of Washington State
  • Washington Health Care Authority Friends for Life Campaign
  • Washington Department of Health Teen Health Hub WA
  • Washington Department of Health Drug User Health Program

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