The Office of Film + Music, thanks in part to a partnership with Public Health – Seattle & King County, is supplying nightclubs with a lifesaving drug called Naloxone to use on people overdosing on opioids.

As part of the new program developed by Nightlife Business Advocate, Scott Plusquellec, club owners and staff will receive training on how to properly identify an overdose and administer the drug. The first training was on Monday night.

“Fortunately, opioid overdoses are rare in nightlife establishments,” Plusquellec said,” However we are aware of incidences where cocaine was laced with a deadly opioid fentanyl. We’re also hopeful the nightlife community can respond to incidences on the streets outside their venues should they see issues. We want to make sure everyone comes out, has a good time and gets home safely.”

“Naloxone saves lives by reversing opioid overdoses and can be effectively administered by anyone who receives training in how to use it. In 2018, we know of 2,235 overdoses that were reversed using naloxone in King County—and that number is likely even greater,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Partnerships like this one with nightclubs help us reach the social networks of those at risk for opioid overdose. If you know or are around people at risk for overdose, please carry naloxone and if you suspect a drug overdose, don’t be afraid to call 911 right way. The Good Samaritan Law serves to protect you.”

Cities throughout the United States are struggling with an ongoing opioid epidemic. In many cases, deaths can be prevented the use of Naloxone, a simple to use medication. Public health agencies are working hard to make life-saving drugs more readily available to the public.

“We need to do everything in our power to ensure that anyone who can save a life has the tools and knowledge to do so. I’m thankful Seattle’s nightlife community wants to be part of the solution,” Kate Becker, Director of the Office of Film + Music said.