November 8, 2019
Dear Friends,
This is a difficult time and we all need to be aware and address this problem directly. Recently, our community has been impacted by a number of tragic suicides and drug overdose deaths (caused by fentanyl). I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the families of those who passed away, and to their communities that are also impacted.
We have been working with many sources and here is very specific and helpful information. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or drug addiction, please consider using the resources available to get help in King County.
By educating ourselves and others, we can make a difference in prevention.
First, knowing the warning signs of a potential suicide are vital. Here is some information from Public Health – Seattle & King County:
“There is no typical suicide victim; however, there are some common characteristics.
The most common are:
• A previous suicide attempt
• Current talk of suicide or making a plan
• Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death
• Giving away prized possessions
• Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness and withdrawal
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
• Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye
• Experiences drastic changes in behavior
These are especially noteworthy in light of:
• Recent losses, such as the death or suicide of a friend or family member
There are many feelings that a person considering suicide might be feeling, including:
• Can't stop the pain
• Can't think clearly
• Can't make decisions
• Can't see any way out
• Can't eat, sleep or work
• Can't make the sadness go away
• Can't see a future without pain
• Can't see themselves as worthwhile
• Can't get someone's attention
• Can't get control
Next, show you care...
Knowing the above warning signs is important. If you see these warning signs in a friend, take them seriously. Showing that you care by talking about your own feelings and asking them about theirs is a good step.
This can be such statements as:
• "I'm worried about you, about how you feel."
• "You mean a lot to me. I want to help."
• "You don't seem like yourself lately. I'm here, if you need someone to talk to."
Be direct...
Be willing to be direct and talk openly about suicide. It can be difficult, but try to approach your friend from a non-judgmental place. Emphasize your openness to listen and to be there for this person.
Ask direct questions, such as "are you thinking about suicide or killing yourself?" to assess the seriousness of the situation. Asking about one "hurting themselves" is not the same as talking about suicide.
Get help...
Don't ever offer to keep talk of suicide a secret, even if you are asked, and don't leave the person alone without safety resources. Instead, get help from available resources and someone with the skills to provide support. These can be:
• A community mental health agency
• A private therapist or counselor
• A school counselor or psychologist
• A family physician
• A suicide prevention or crisis center (Crisis Connections at 1-866-427-4747)
Youth suicide prevention
An average of 2 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 kill themselves each week in Washington state. In 2013, youth ages 15 to 19 years accounted for the highest hospitalized attempt rate in Washington—they accounted for 11% of attempted hospitalizations.
In addition to warning signs, risk factors for youth suicide can include:
• Access to firearms
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
• Lack of connection to family and friends (no one to talk to)
• A recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend
• A recent death or suicide of a friend or family member
Resources
• Crisis Connections
This 24 hour, toll-free, telephone hotline provides immediate, confidential assistance to people in distress in the King County area. Call 1-866-4-CRISIS (1-866-427-4747) or 206-461-3222.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides 24 hour, toll-free, telephone support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and provides information to locate crisis clinics and resources throughout the U.S. Para información en español: 1-888-628-9454
• Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans and family members can receive confidential help by calling 1-800-273-8255 (then PRESS 1). Visit online to access confidential online chat help.”
Earlier this year, service providers from around East King County conducted a “Community Needs Assessment” with the goal of understanding the unique needs and challenges of the region and the assessment includes information on suicide. To read the report, click here.
Letter from Executive Constantine to Teachers
Last month, King County Executive Dow Constantine sent out the message including information below to educators:
“I am deeply saddened by the news that across King County, seven young people have died from overdoses involving fentanyl this year, and many more have suffered non-fatal overdoses. As leaders in education, I know you have had difficult conversations with parents and students, and continue to field questions in the community.
In 2016, I convened the Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force, which issued a series of recommendations to prevent and treat abuse and keep people healthy and safe. Since then, leaders from across sectors including education have been working together to address the negative impacts of substance use such as promoting safe disposal of medications so that they don’t get in the wrong hands; expanding access to treatment, distributing naloxone –the life-saving overdose reversal medication; and partnering with organizations to address underlying social, economic, and psychological stressors driving substance use.
All of this is happening, and yet, we need to do more. The recent increase in overdose deaths, occurring more frequently among people 18 or younger, has been driven largely by fentanyl found in counterfeit pills. In response, Public Health – Seattle & King County has produced a slate of educational materials to alert parents and students to this threat, including a short video for students. I encourage you to distribute these materials broadly. I’ve also asked Public Health staff to be available to share information directly with students and coordinate with schools upon request. Understanding what fentanyl is, what counterfeit pills look like, how to recognize the signs of overdose and what to do – all of this will save lives. We also hope these materials will help open up important conversations within families, schools and communities, and help reduce stigma that can stand in the way of students reaching out for help from a trusted adult.
Public Health will continue to monitor overdoses and work with our education partners to ensure we are keeping our community informed.
Thank you for all that you do.
Materials for Schools
Public Health has developed materials specifically for young people with some key information about fentanyl in counterfeit pills. We would greatly appreciate your help in getting this information to High Schools in your district for posting in their schools.
Video: Please distribute this brief video with students, such as during advisory periods. The video describes some of the key information about fentanyl and overdose.
Posters and postcards: We have developed three different posters and two postcards designed to reach young people. These were designed for high-school aged students, but they may also be appropriate for middle schools. You know your schools the best, so feel free to use as you deem appropriate. You may download the materials directly:
www.kingcounty.gov/overdose.
Information sheet for parents: We have also developed an information sheet for parents. Feel free to distribute this information sheet as you see fit. This document is available in multiple languages at www.kingcounty.gov/overdose under “What parents and students should know about the recent increase in fatal overdoses.”
In-school presentation: Public Health staff is also available to present this information to your students directly. Please contact Sharon.Bogan@kingcounty for assistance.
To learn more about the recent uptick in fentanyl overdoses, you can read Public Health’s recent blog: OVERDOSE UPDATE: RECENT INCREASE IN OVERDOSE DEATHS LINKED TO FENTANYL-LACED PILLS AND POWDERS
We greatly appreciate your willingness to get this important information out.”
--Dow Constantine, King County Executive
Message from Kathy
The suicide vigils and funerals have greatly impacted the students, teachers, parents, and community in many ways. There have been impacts also in triggering memories and trauma in people of all ages. Please reach out for services so we can all be safe and help one another. I hope this information is helpful.
With respect and concern,
We have been working with many sources and here is very specific and helpful information. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or drug addiction, please consider using the resources available to get help in King County.
By educating ourselves and others, we can make a difference in prevention.
First, knowing the warning signs of a potential suicide are vital. Here is some information from Public Health – Seattle & King County:
“There is no typical suicide victim; however, there are some common characteristics.
The most common are:
• A previous suicide attempt
• Current talk of suicide or making a plan
• Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death
• Giving away prized possessions
• Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness and withdrawal
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
• Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye
• Experiences drastic changes in behavior
These are especially noteworthy in light of:
• Recent losses, such as the death or suicide of a friend or family member
There are many feelings that a person considering suicide might be feeling, including:
• Can't stop the pain
• Can't think clearly
• Can't make decisions
• Can't see any way out
• Can't eat, sleep or work
• Can't make the sadness go away
• Can't see a future without pain
• Can't see themselves as worthwhile
• Can't get someone's attention
• Can't get control
Next, show you care...
Knowing the above warning signs is important. If you see these warning signs in a friend, take them seriously. Showing that you care by talking about your own feelings and asking them about theirs is a good step.
This can be such statements as:
• "I'm worried about you, about how you feel."
• "You mean a lot to me. I want to help."
• "You don't seem like yourself lately. I'm here, if you need someone to talk to."
Be direct...
Be willing to be direct and talk openly about suicide. It can be difficult, but try to approach your friend from a non-judgmental place. Emphasize your openness to listen and to be there for this person.
Ask direct questions, such as "are you thinking about suicide or killing yourself?" to assess the seriousness of the situation. Asking about one "hurting themselves" is not the same as talking about suicide.
Get help...
Don't ever offer to keep talk of suicide a secret, even if you are asked, and don't leave the person alone without safety resources. Instead, get help from available resources and someone with the skills to provide support. These can be:
• A community mental health agency
• A private therapist or counselor
• A school counselor or psychologist
• A family physician
• A suicide prevention or crisis center (Crisis Connections at 1-866-427-4747)
Youth suicide prevention
An average of 2 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 kill themselves each week in Washington state. In 2013, youth ages 15 to 19 years accounted for the highest hospitalized attempt rate in Washington—they accounted for 11% of attempted hospitalizations.
In addition to warning signs, risk factors for youth suicide can include:
• Access to firearms
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
• Lack of connection to family and friends (no one to talk to)
• A recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend
• A recent death or suicide of a friend or family member
Resources
• Crisis Connections
This 24 hour, toll-free, telephone hotline provides immediate, confidential assistance to people in distress in the King County area. Call 1-866-4-CRISIS (1-866-427-4747) or 206-461-3222.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides 24 hour, toll-free, telephone support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and provides information to locate crisis clinics and resources throughout the U.S. Para información en español: 1-888-628-9454
• Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans and family members can receive confidential help by calling 1-800-273-8255 (then PRESS 1). Visit online to access confidential online chat help.”
Earlier this year, service providers from around East King County conducted a “Community Needs Assessment” with the goal of understanding the unique needs and challenges of the region and the assessment includes information on suicide. To read the report, click here.
Letter from Executive Constantine to Teachers
Last month, King County Executive Dow Constantine sent out the message including information below to educators:
“I am deeply saddened by the news that across King County, seven young people have died from overdoses involving fentanyl this year, and many more have suffered non-fatal overdoses. As leaders in education, I know you have had difficult conversations with parents and students, and continue to field questions in the community.
In 2016, I convened the Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force, which issued a series of recommendations to prevent and treat abuse and keep people healthy and safe. Since then, leaders from across sectors including education have been working together to address the negative impacts of substance use such as promoting safe disposal of medications so that they don’t get in the wrong hands; expanding access to treatment, distributing naloxone –the life-saving overdose reversal medication; and partnering with organizations to address underlying social, economic, and psychological stressors driving substance use.
All of this is happening, and yet, we need to do more. The recent increase in overdose deaths, occurring more frequently among people 18 or younger, has been driven largely by fentanyl found in counterfeit pills. In response, Public Health – Seattle & King County has produced a slate of educational materials to alert parents and students to this threat, including a short video for students. I encourage you to distribute these materials broadly. I’ve also asked Public Health staff to be available to share information directly with students and coordinate with schools upon request. Understanding what fentanyl is, what counterfeit pills look like, how to recognize the signs of overdose and what to do – all of this will save lives. We also hope these materials will help open up important conversations within families, schools and communities, and help reduce stigma that can stand in the way of students reaching out for help from a trusted adult.
Public Health will continue to monitor overdoses and work with our education partners to ensure we are keeping our community informed.
Thank you for all that you do.
Materials for Schools
Public Health has developed materials specifically for young people with some key information about fentanyl in counterfeit pills. We would greatly appreciate your help in getting this information to High Schools in your district for posting in their schools.
Video: Please distribute this brief video with students, such as during advisory periods. The video describes some of the key information about fentanyl and overdose.
Posters and postcards: We have developed three different posters and two postcards designed to reach young people. These were designed for high-school aged students, but they may also be appropriate for middle schools. You know your schools the best, so feel free to use as you deem appropriate. You may download the materials directly:
www.kingcounty.gov/overdose.
Information sheet for parents: We have also developed an information sheet for parents. Feel free to distribute this information sheet as you see fit. This document is available in multiple languages at www.kingcounty.gov/overdose under “What parents and students should know about the recent increase in fatal overdoses.”
In-school presentation: Public Health staff is also available to present this information to your students directly. Please contact Sharon.Bogan@kingcounty for assistance.
To learn more about the recent uptick in fentanyl overdoses, you can read Public Health’s recent blog: OVERDOSE UPDATE: RECENT INCREASE IN OVERDOSE DEATHS LINKED TO FENTANYL-LACED PILLS AND POWDERS
We greatly appreciate your willingness to get this important information out.”
--Dow Constantine, King County Executive
Message from Kathy
The suicide vigils and funerals have greatly impacted the students, teachers, parents, and community in many ways. There have been impacts also in triggering memories and trauma in people of all ages. Please reach out for services so we can all be safe and help one another. I hope this information is helpful.
With respect and concern,
Kathy Lambert
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