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 recognition and response

• 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 the King County Library System

WA Overdose Prevention and Response Video

Resources for library staff

• 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 Alcohol & Drug Abuse 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 Addiction and Treatment Health Information Resources (National Library of Medicine): This page has everything: statistics, live search links for research (PubMed), links to MedlinePlus pages for consumer health information, and more!
• Health Resources for Public Libraries about Opioids: (National Network of Libraries of Medicine): Collection of resources, brochures, webinars, and other educational materials about opioid use disorder specifically curated for public libraries and library staff.

Find more in our “Resources for Library Staff About Opioids” handout (prepared for King County Library System staff in 2019).

Resources for libraries to share with the public

• Washington Recovery Help Line: 24 hour referral and support. 1-866-789-1511.
• Washington Syringe Service/Exchange Program Directory (WA DOH)
• King County Syringe Exchanges: Several locations offer syringe exchange, treatment referral, insurance assistance, and free naloxone.
• Secure medicine disposal in King County
• 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).