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“The Washington State Department of Health is thrilled to partner with the Health Care Authority as they launch the ScalaNW Emergency Department Bridge program. By offering 24/7 support to health providers caring for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), the leading cause of death among Washingtonians 18-44 years of age, we can save lives from overdose.”

“Emergency physicians have the unique opportunity to engage patients in treatment when they are often the readiest to accept help, whether after an overdose or when dealing with a complication from their opioid use disorder. This is the time to start them on treatment and help to end the cycle they feel stuck in.”

“MOUD is probably the most powerful tool available to us to stem the tide of overdose deaths from narcotics. Nothing else decreases the mortality from overdose like buprenorphine and methadone. It is important that all providers in the ED have the tools and support that they need to be able to offer this life-saving option to their patients.”

“Not everyone will want medications to treat opioid use disorder, but everyone should have access to them, especially immediately after overdose when patients are at the highest risk of death. ScalaNW is an incredibly important step to expanding access to evidence-based interventions across our state.”