WASHINGTON STATE PROJECT TO PREVENT PRESCRIPTION DRUG/OPIOID OVERDOSE (WA-PDO)

Home > Overdose prevention project

WA-PDO is a statewide network of organizations mobilizing communities, providing overdose response training, and increasing access to naloxone through community programs and systems. This federally awarded grant is administered by the Washington Department of Health and is one of the strategies listed in the State Opioid and Overdose Response Plan under goal 3: Ensure and Improve the Health and Wellness of Individuals That Use Drugs.

This grant specifically seeks to increase access to naloxone for individuals who are at risk of having or witnessing an overdose.

Locally, this project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Health and Willapa Behavioral Health. For more information contact Sean Hemmerle at sean.hemmerle@doh.wa.gov.

The Washington State Project to Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose (WA-PDO) was a five-year project implemented by ADAI and many syringe service programs across WA State to provide overdose prevention and response training and distribute naloxone. The project has released a new report describing the results of 5 years of naloxone distribution to people who use opioids and to law enforcement in WA State.

Read the full report here:

https://adai.uw.edu/new-report-wa-state-project-to-prevent-prescription-drug-opioid-overdose-final-report-on-naloxone-distribution/

The WA-PDO project recently received renewal funding through 2026 and is now administered by the WA State Department of Health:

WA State DOH Overdose Education and Naloxone.

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Why was Grays Harbor County selected as an Overdose Prevention Project site?

We know that opioid use and overdose is a problem in Grays Harbor County.

• Our syringe services program, which began in 2004, exchanged 759,818 needles in 2016.
• Grays Harbor County has a higher rate of opioid-related deaths than Washington state as a whole. (Source: Washington State Department of Health Center for Health Statistics.)

The Grays Harbor Overdose Prevention Project will help get people who use opioids into treatment and prevent opioid-related deaths.

Does providing naloxone make people more likely to use drugs?

There is no evidence that giving people naloxone makes them more likely to use more drugs. It does, however, keep them alive to be able to seek treatment when they are ready. Going through withdrawal is painful and unpleasant. Research has shown that people who use heroin and are trained as overdose responders actually use less heroin over time as they assume new “peer leader” roles in their communities.

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a prescription medicine that temporarily blocks the effect of opioids (heroin, OxyContin, Percocet, dilaudid, fentanyl, methadone, etc.). This helps a person start breathing again and wake up from an opioid overdose. It has no effect on other drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol, or benzodiazepines.

Naloxone comes in three different forms: liquid injectable, nasal spray (NARCAN), and auto-injector (Evzio).

What is the purpose of naloxone distribution?

The purpose of this program is to prevent deaths from opioid overdoses. Naloxone is a short-term fix for a complicated problem that can only be addressed if the person is alive.

Who can legally possess naloxone?

Naloxone is a prescription medication. Washington state law (RCW 69.41.095) allows anyone “at risk for having or witnessing a drug overdose” to obtain naloxone and administer it in an overdose situation. Naloxone is not a scheduled or controlled drug so it is safe for anyone to possess.

Can I get in trouble for helping out in an overdose situation?

In Washington state, anyone trying to help in a medical emergency is generally protected from civil liabilities by RCW 4.24.300. Washington state's 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law RCW 69.50.315 gives additional, specific protections against drug possession charges:

• If you seek medical assistance in a drug-related overdose, you cannot be prosecuted for drug possession.
• The overdose victim is also protected from drug possession charges.
• Anyone in Washington state who might have or witness an opioid overdose is allowed to carry and administer naloxone (RCW 69.41.095).

How can I get naloxone for myself?

Naloxone is currently being distributed at:

• Syringe Services Program operated by Willapa Behavioral Health - see www.healthygh.org/directory/syringe for more information.

Washington State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy has signed a standing order for naloxone. This standing order works like a prescription and allows any person or organization in the state to get naloxone from a pharmacy if you or your loved one is at risk of an overdose. Locally, Rite Aid, Safeway, and Walmart participate in this standing order distribution.

If you get naloxone from a pharmacy, you may have to pay a co-pay or deductible, depending on the terms of your health insurance plan.

How will I know how to use naloxone? What training is available?

Training is available to individuals who get naloxone at the syringe services program. Participants are trained to recognize and systematically respond to an overdose. They are also informed about what puts users at risk of overdose and avenues for recovering from addiction.

www.stopoverdose.org has training videos and resources for all lay responders.

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Other resources

Download and print the Opioid Needs Assessment and Response Plan, February 2018 (.pdf)

Download and print the meeting summary from the initial stakeholder meeting of the opioid Overdose Prevention Project, May 2017 (.pdf)

Download and print the results of the Opioid Needs Assessment survey, January 2018 (.pdf)

Download and print a document describing local efforts to address the opiate misuse crisis in Grays Harbor (.pdf)

Download and print the Grays Harbor Opioid Needs Assessment Stakeholder meeting minutes from February 22, 2018 (.pdf)

Visit stopoverdose.org (website)

El único video específicamente por estado de WA, esta capacitación describe los riesgos de sobredosis y la Ley del Buen Samaritano del estado de Washington, y muestra una demonstración sobre cómo ayudar en una sobredosis de opioids (incluida la respiración de rescate y la naloxone). Produced by StopOverdose.org

Download and print the FAQ document (.pdf)

Download and print the Sobredosis de opioides brochure (.pdf)

Download and print the SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention TOOLKIT (.pdf)

Information about Washington State’s standing order for naloxone (website)

Download and print a fentanyl warning sheet (.pdf)

Download and print the Secure Medicine Take Back brochure (.pdf)

Breastfeeding

Home > Breastfeeding

Help is available for breast/chestfeeding mothers.

We can answer questions and provide support for breastfeeding mothers.

WIC participants have access to two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.

Carmela Lopez, IBCLC is available for in-person and phone appointments for clients that speak English and Spanish.

Kimberly McLaury, IBCLC is available for in-person visits, by appointment.

Mina Fontenelle is a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and is available for phone appointments to support breastfeeding parents and answer breastfeeding questions.

What are some of the health benefits of breastfeeding?​

• Breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses, including diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia.

• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma.

• Children who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese.

• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Information for Parents and Families

• Breastfeeding Handouts​ (in progress)

• How to Clean a Breast Pump Kit

• Cómo mantener limpio el extractor de leche materna

• My Breastfeeding Checklist - English

• My Breastfeeding Checklist - Spanish​

• Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding - English

• Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding - Spanish​

• Videos and Other Breastfeeding Websites

Meet Your Breastfeeding Peer Counselor!

Hello Grays Harbor Community,

My name is Mina Fontenelle and I am the WIC Peer Breast/Body/Chestfeeding Counselor for Grays Harbor County Public Health.  I am excited to meet and welcome you to our platform. We hope to provide our community with the support and tools to better your breast/body/chestfeeding journey. 

I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, just a few hours away from the Harbor.  I have been living in the area since 2014 and appreciate the diverse activities the Harbor has to offer.  I started my breastfeeding story with the birth of my daughter in April of 2020.  It was a challenging time to give birth and I struggled with breastfeeding.  I hope my personal history and training will help guide you through your own experiences.  My focus is to better our community through support, conversations and shared understanding of the power of lactation. Thank you for your time and visiting our website.

Where can I find more information?

• Washington State Department of Health Breastfeeding Information

• Online Prenatal Classes, Free to Medicaid Participants

• Perinatal Support Washington

• Open Arms Perinatal Services – Virtual Lactation Lounges

Breast, Cervical, & Colon Health Program

Home > Breast, Cervical, & Colon Health Program

The Grays Harbor County Public Health clinic is a provider in the Washington State Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health program.  This program will pay for exams, Pap screening and mammograms for eligible men and women.

To be eligible, you must:

• be aged 40-64,

• meet certain income criteria, and

• have no health insurance coverage for health screening services or have a high deductible for follow-up cancer testing.

Call 800-992-1817 ext. 1 to see if you are eligible and enroll.

International travel

Home > International travel

Before you travel to another country, we recommend that you visit a travel clinic. They can make sure you are protected from diseases that are not commonly found in the United States.

There are several travel clinics in nearby areas:

• Walgreen's, 1510 Cooper Point Road SW in Olympia, (360) 570-8008

• Safeway, 1243 Marvin Road NE in Lacey, (360) 252-2235

• Safeway, 1129 Harrison in Centralia, (360) 330-5229

• Olympia Travel Clinic, 1603 Cooper Point Road NW in Olympia, (360) 870-1398

• Providence Travel Medicine Clinic, 525 Lilly Road in Olympia, (360) 493-7230

For more information, visit the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website.

Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Home > Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs

The Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs program offers

• family support,

• care coordination, &

• health information

for children (age 17 or younger) who have, or are at risk of having, a condition which may prevent them from growing, developing, or playing like other children.

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We can help.

Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs is a free program that connects young people and their families to resources and services.

If your child is age 17 or younger and has, or is at risk of having, a condition which may prevent them from growing, developing, or playing like other children, your family is eligible for these services regardless of income.

Some conditions that children with special health care needs might have include:

• asthma

• autism

• cancer

• cerebral palsy

• Down syndrome

• cleft lip and/or palate

• cystic fibrosis

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• prematurity

• speech/language delay

• sickle cell anemia

• diabetes

• juvenile arthritis

• epilepsy

• blindess

• hearing loss

• gross and/or fine motor delay

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The program can help families:

• find assistance for their child with special needs.

• find financial assistance.

• schedule appointments and transportation.

• get services for their child, such as medical care.

• find information about health insurance programs.

Families can refer themselves to the program; or, referrals can be made by schools or medical and service providers.

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Additional resources

Developmental disabilities - Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services Department

Washington Health Plan Finder

The Arc of Grays Harbor

Family Health Hotline

For healthcare providers

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Epi News is faxed to healthcare offices during events of public health significance.

Sign up for Epi News by emailing Lisa Leitz at lleitz@co.grays-harbor.wa.us

Health Alert: Immediate action needed
Health Update: Updated information on Alert or Advisory

Health Advisory: May require immediate action
Info Service: Not of an emergent nature

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Communicable disease reporting

The Grays Harbor County Public Health and Social Services Department protects the community by controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases in Grays Harbor County.  We do this by:

• Receiving reports from health care providers about cases of notifiable communicable diseases as required by law.

• Investigating cases and providing education to people with communicable diseases and their contacts.

• Reducing the spread of disease by providing and promoting vaccines.

• Providing updated information to area health care providers about local, national, and global issues of public health concern.

• Educating the community about diseases of concern.

• Identifying potential sources of disease transmission.

• Using appropriate public health methods to stop the spread of disease.

Report notifiable conditions to:

Communicable Disease Program
Grays Harbor County Public Health and Social Services Dept.
2109 Sumner Avenue
Aberdeen, WA 98520
Phone:  (360) 532-8631
After-hours phone:  (360) 581-1401
Fax:  (360) 533-6272

Resources

• STD case report form (.pdf)

• Lists of notifiable conditions for:

  • Health Care Providers (.pdf)

  • Laboratories (.pdf)

  • Veterinarians (.pdf)

• Legal requirements for the reporting of notifiable conditions.

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Flu prevention resources

Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May, with flu activity most commonly peaking between December and February.

Encourage your patients to fight the flu with these free resources:

• Share our Facebook posts. We're @healthyghc and our flu posts are tagged #ghcfightstheflu

• Print-ready materials (posters, flyers, fact sheets) from the CDC

• "Reason enough to get vaccinated!" poster from the CDC

• "The Flu: A Guide for Parents" tri-fold brochure from the CDC

• Spanish language print-ready materials (posters, flyers, fact sheets) from the CDC

• American Indian & Alaska Natives print-ready materials (posters, flyers, fact sheets, brochures, postcards) from the CDC

• "Cover Your Cough" poster from Washington State Department of Health

• WashYourHandsingTon resources (video, posters) from Washington State Department of Health

Developmental disabilities

Home > Developmental disabilities

We believe everyone should be included at school, at work, and in the community so that they can live a full life and pursue their dreams.

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Overview

Grays Harbor County’s Developmental Disability program empowers and supports people who have developmental or intellectual disabilities or special needs. We work to increase information about developmental disabilities and we promote understanding and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.

We partner with advocacy groups, schools, the business community, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Experience has taught us that people with developmental disabilities have the skills, interests, and talents to enhance their community. We also know that employment is a powerful way to contribute to the community.

For more information about our history and the services we provide, please visit Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration’s (DDA) website:

• County Guidelines

• Guiding Values

To contact the Grays Harbor County Developmental Disabilities program coordinator, please call or email Dee Dee Garman at (360) 500-4070 or dgarman@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

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CLOSED: Request for Proposal (RFP)
Community Information and Education Services for Developmental Disabilities

Grays Harbor County is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to deliver Community Information and Education Services aimed at informing and educating the public about developmental disabilities. These services are intended to promote public awareness, increase community involvement, and strengthen community capacity to support individuals with developmental disabilities. The maximum funding available for this project is up to $60,000.00 per fiscal year.

Click here for the full RFP.

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Services and eligibility

Community information, education, and referral services

We inform and educate the public and school personnel about developmental disabilities and related services. We do this through information and referrals, workshops, support groups, liaison for school IEP/504 meetings, and assistance with applying for state and federal services. This service helps people with developmental disabilities, their families, and other stakeholders learn how to navigate the developmental disabilities, social services, and school systems.

• Who is eligible for this service? This service is available to anyone with developmental disabilities and their family.

• Who are the qualified providers of this service in Grays Harbor County?

  • The Arc of Grays Harbor, (360) 537-7000

Individual supported employment services

We assist adults age 21+ who have developmental disabilities and are seeking employment. We provide job training, skill development, job placement, and follow-up services to help the person remain successfully employed. Supports and service levels are based on the needs of the individual.

• Who is eligible for this service? To be eligible, all participants must be receiving services from Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) | DSHS.

• Who are the qualified providers of this service in Grays Harbor County?

  • Coastal Community Action Program, (360) 533-5100

  • Morningside, (360) 209-6311

Community inclusion services

We help people with developmental disabilities build and strengthen relationships and become members in clubs, associations, and/or organizations.

• Who is eligible for this service? To be eligible, all participants must be receiving services from Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) | DSHS.

• Who are the qualified providers of this service in Grays Harbor County?

  • Coastal Community Action Program, (360) 533-5100

  • Morningside, (360) 209-6311

Click here to download a one-page flyer about this program.

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Helpful resources and links

Developmental Disabilities Administration | Offers a variety of home- and community-based services for children and adults with developmental disabilities including Medicaid Personal Care, Employment/Day, Supported Living, therapies, and respite.

Informing Families | Provides up-to-date resource information and planning tools for individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages.

My Life Plan | An online planning tool.

Chartering the Life Course | pamphlet on planning and services.

Parent to Parent (P2P) Programs (Arc of Washington State) | Helps parents connect one-to-one with a trained, experienced parent (based on similar diagnoses and/or family issues), information and referrals, workshops, trainings, and support services.

Washington State Fathers Network | Supports fathers and families of children with special needs.

Disability Movement Coalition (through Arc of Grays Harbor) | Connects people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, family members, guardians, and concerned citizens with people who have lived experience. Disability Movement Coalition helps them organize their voices on important legislative issues that affect their lives.

Arc of Washington State | Advocates for quality services and necessary funding to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Special Olympics Washington | Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition.

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Apply to become a provider

Open request for qualifications | Services for individuals with developmental disabilities

This request for qualification (RFQ) provides an opportunity to submit an application for consideration as an agency qualified to provide services in Grays Harbor County.

An agency currently working under a county contract need not respond to this RFQ.

Grays Harbor County contracts with local qualified services providers utilizing funding from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to provide the following services:

• Community information, education, and referral

• Individual supported employment

• Community inclusion

Each service is described in the application. All instructions are available in the application.

Download and print RFQ application (.docx)

Provider Subcontract Agreements:

Definitions

FY2024 Quarterly Report-ARC

Quarterly Report Template

Service Plan

Data Security Requirements

BARS

Additional Hours Request

Individualized Plan

Status Update Form

Diseases & conditions

Home > Diseases & conditions

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

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Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD)

Home > Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD)

Every child deserves healthy teeth.

The Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program (ABCD) connects families with dentists who know how to care for young kids. This prevents early tooth decay and starts children on a lifelong path to good oral health.

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Parents

What does ABCD do?

• Helps you find a dentist

• Keeps baby teeth healthy

• Easy exams

Providers

ABCD dentists provide quality dental care and treatment to eligible children. ABCD dentists receive enhanced fees through Medicaid for providing certain preventative and restorative procedures.

Become an ABCD provider

• Attend a training - it can be arranged in your own office

• The University of Washington, the Health Care Authority, and the local ABCD office will issue you a certification

Partners

Help us spread the word about the importance of good oral health in early childhood.  Refer any Apple Health (Medicaid) families with young children to us.

Refer children to ABCD

• Hand out our program information

• Submit a referral form and we will contact your client

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