Libraries are a central source for resources and information for the general public. Increasingly libraries are the site of opioid overdoses, and libraries are looking for more ways to respond.
- Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution (WA Department of Health)
- Training brochure on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose (StopOverdose.org)
- Coping with Overdose Fatalities: Tools for Public Health Workers (MA Department of Health; useful for all audiences)
Public Libraries and Opioids Webinar
created with King County Library System
WA Overdose Prevention and Response Video
- Opioid Crisis: Libraries, Resources, Context, and Data (WebJunction)
- ADAI Clearinghouse: Get free prevention and information materials (brochures, posters, etc.) related to drugs and alcohol that you can distribute in your library. From the University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI).
- Opioid Epidemic Web Archive (National Library of Medicine): Collection of websites and other digital resources and documents (newspaper articles, blog posts, e.g.) related to opioids.
- Opioid Misuse and Addiction Treatment (MedlinePlus): Text and video resources about opioid use disorder and various treatment approaches. (Includes resources in Spanish.)
- LearnAboutTreatment.org (UW ADAI): Information about opioid and stimulant use disorder, effective treatments, and tools/resources to share with professionals and the public.
Find more in our “Resources for Library Staff About Opioids” handout (prepared for King County Library System staff in 2019).
Washington Recovery Help Line: 24 hour referral and support. 1-866-789-1511- Washington Syringe Service/Exchange Program Directory (WA DOH)
- Safe Medication Return: Locations to get rid of unused or expired meds
- Downtown Emergency Service Center: Offers health (including substance use disorder treatment), housing, and shelter services
- Opioids and Heroin Books, Films/TV, and Music: List of suggested materials for anyone interested in learning more about opioid use and overdose. (StopOverdose.org; prepared for King County Library System staff in 2019).