205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 09/01/2015 - August 31st was International Overdose Awareness Day. Drug overdose rates have skyrocketed in the United States over the last fifteen years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), death from overdose is now more frequent than death in a car accident! Both prescription painkillers and street drugs like heroin are contributing to this phenomenon. Washington State and Kittitas County have experienced the same increase in death by overdose that has been seen around the country.
Anyone who has lost a loved one to overdose knows that this is a complicated problem. The problem is not as simple as “bad people making bad choices.” Misuse of narcotics may begin with a painful injury, emotional trauma, or youthful experimentation. Each person’s story is unique. Once hooked on narcotics, it’s hard to quit. Withdrawal causes very real and painful physical symptoms that are only easily relieved by another dose of narcotics. The Kittitas County Public Health Department invites all who have lost a loved one to drug overdose to a simple ceremony on Thursday, September 17. Come to the courtyard of First United Methodist Church, 210 N. Ruby in Ellensburg, from 4-6 pm. Light a candle, say a few words, or close your eyes in silent memory, surrounded by others who understand the pain of losing a dear one this way. Please help us to raise awareness of this serious problem. For more information, please contact the Kittitas County Public Health Department at (509) 962-7515.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Julia Karns, Community Health Specialist, 509-962-7515