KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Released today, a study published by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (ADAI) at the University of Washington shows a significant drop in the number of deaths involving heroin and cocaine in King County in 2001.

The report shows that heroin-related deaths peaked in King County in 1998 at 143, compared with 61 for 2001. There were 49 deaths in which cocaine was identified in 2001, accounting for 32 percent of all drug-related deaths. That number shows a decline from 2000, when there were 89 cocaine-related deaths. The full report, which is prepared by the King County Community Epidemiology Work Group, is available on the ADAI website at http://adai.washington.edu. Public Health - Seattle & King County is a participant in this group.

"This is a promising development, but as a community we must not relax," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director for Public Health - Seattle & King County "Drug-related deaths are tragic and unnecessary, particularly for the many who want desperately to get treatment, but can't afford it."

Toward that end, in 2002 Public Health has partnered with the City of Seattle and local treatment providers to increasing funding for and access to methadone treatment for those that seek it. Between January and June of this year, Public Health's needle exchange program has placed 153 individuals in methadone treatment and has secured continuation funding for an additional 81 opiate-dependent individuals who were already in treatment but unable to continue because of inadequate financing.

As a component of the treatment access partnership, Public Health is working with the Seattle Mental Health Court and the King County Drug Court to reach individuals looking to receive help. Vouchers for methadone treatment are provided to those in need. "The methadone treatment waiting list is actually larger than it was when we started this effort in March of this year. Clearly, the reservoir of need for treatment is tremendous," said Plough.

Treatment on demand for those that need it was a key recommendation of the Heroin Task Force, a group made up of community stakeholders and policymakers. Formed at the height of the problem, the Heroin Task force released its findings and recommendations last year -- full report available online at www.metrokc.gov/health/subabuse/heroin

"Although we're not at the point of treatment on demand yet, this partnership is definitely a step in the right direction," said Plough.

In addition to expanding treatment opportunities, Public Health has been directly involved in efforts to reduce overdose deaths among heroin users. With a grant from the Tides Foundation, Public Health has developed an education and intervention campaign targeted to heroin users, their friends, families, loved ones, and agencies that work with heroin users. The program helps users identify risk factors associated with overdose, dispels popular but harmful myths regarding overdose response, and trains users, family members and social service workers on how to recognize overdose signs and symptoms and how to implement life saving response strategies.