Fentanyl found in NCW methamphetamine supply, health officials warn

EAST WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Health District issued an alert about fentanyl contamination in the local methamphetamine supply on February 10, following reports from healthcare partners in North Central Washington.

The health district reported that methamphetamine circulating in the community contains increasing amounts of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin. Users cannot detect if their methamphetamine contains fentanyl, according to the health alert.

Health Administrator Dr. Kristen Hosey said, "At CDHD, we recognize that fentanyl overdoses are devastating families across our community. This warning is not about assigning blame but about saving lives. We urge everyone to look out for each other, talk openly about the risks, and know where to find help."

The health district listed overdose symptoms including slow breathing, unresponsiveness, blue lips or fingertips, and pinpoint pupils.

Three locations now distribute naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses: the Chelan-Douglas Health District office in East Wenatchee, the Alano Club in Wenatchee, and the People's Harm Reduction Alliance through a mail-order program.

The health district offers free naloxone training to businesses and groups. Additional information about fentanyl and overdose prevention is available on the district's website at www.cdhd.wa.gov/opioid.