Yakima’s Overdose Crisis: Rising Deaths, Youth Risks, and Community Action

There's a major crisis hitting Yakima and many other cities, the overdose crisis.
Last year the Yakima City Council members approved a proclamation which designates August 29 as Overdose Awareness Day, a time to recognize the many people who have died of overdoses in the community.

A RECORD THAT HAS YET TO BE BROKEN

According to Yakima County Coroner Marshall Slight says so far this year 41 people have died of overdoses in Yakima County.
Yakima County came close to setting a tragic new record in 2025, with 110 overdose deaths reported-many attributed to the potent and deadly drug fentanyl.
146 people died of overdoses in 2024 and that set the record that has yet to be broken.

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A SURGE OF DRUGS AND OVERDOSES

Slight says the drugs coming into America saw a big surge during the Biden administration when the border was fully open.
Now with the border fully closed Slight says he expects to see a decrease in overdose deaths and so far it looks like that may happen.
Slight says a record-breaking 146 overdose deaths in 2024 broke the record of 96 overdose deaths in 2023.

YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OPINIONS

The 2023 Healthy Youth Survey by Safe Yakima Valley reveals that only 58% of youth believe fentanyl is dangerous. They also say many young people also perceive a decreased risk associated with taking non-prescribed medications.
Officials with Safe Yakima Valley stress the need for community awareness and education in combating the opioid crisis.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Safe Yakima Valley says don't take medications unless prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and obtained from a licensed pharmacy.
Avoid purchasing drugs online or on social media, as many counterfeit pills contain lethal doses of fentanyl.
Dispose of unused prescription medications safely at designated drug take-back boxes available throughout Yakima County.

THE LIFE SAVING MEDICATION

Hundreds if not thousands of lives have been saved in Yakima and the state through the use of Narcan, an anti-opioid drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Free Narcan is increasingly accessible in Yakima, with vending machines available at key locations, including the Opportunities Industrialization Center at 717 Fruitvale Blvd. and Yakamart on Fort Road in Toppenish.