Opioid Crisis Response

Partnering to Stop Opioid Addiction in Clark, Klickitat and Skamania Counties.

SWACH is working with community members and other experts to change the way Southwest Washington addresses the opioid epidemic. To get involved, contact us here.

The opioid crisis is one of the most significant challenges faced by our country and our region. And it impacts everyone. Individuals experiencing addiction face stigma and lack access to effective treatment and support. Families are struggling. Healthcare, social services and law enforcement are overwhelmed.

Working together, we must form a net of prevention for people at risk of opioid abuse and fully support those struggling with addiction. Our goals include:

— Reducing overdoses.
— Working with clinicians and health care systems to ensure appropriate opioid prescribing.
— Promoting alternative pain management strategies.
— Increasing outreach and education.
— Reaching more people with care and effective treatment, including evidence-based medication assisted therapy.

Opioid Crisis Response Resources

Visit our resources page for a variety of reports, articles and other information related to the opioid crisis response.

Working together, we must form a net of prevention for people at risk of opioid abuse and fully support those struggling with addiction.

Local Opioid Statistics

— Over the past 10 years, opioid related hospitalizations increased 200 percent in Clark County.
— During that same period, deaths by overdose in Clark County rose by 40 percent.
— From 2003 to 2012, publicly funded opioid treatment grew by 221.6 percent in Skamania and 48.5 percent in Klickitat.

Partnering to Stop the Opioid Crisis

To address the opioid epidemic in our communities, we must address the issue from all angles. That’s why SWACH is working with community members from healthcare, public health, schools, alternative or complementary medicine, treatment, local nonprofits and other areas. Watch this space for future updates and information about our partners and partnerships.