In 2018, Snohomish Health District was awarded the Overdose to Action grant (OD2A) to implement strategies that improve outcomes for individuals impacted by opioid misuse disorders and improve data collection on opioid outcomes in our county. This work is carried out by a healthy communities specialist with support from an epidemiologist. We are currently in year three of the four-year cycle.

As a component of this grant, Snohomish Health District established partnerships with area hospitals and requested that they participate by aiding with data collection related to non-fatal overdose admissions to their emergency rooms. While all four hospitals in the county have been approached, Swedish and Providence are currently the only two participating. Both Evergreen and Cascade have expressed interest in participating in the future, but currently do not have the staff capacity. In exchange for providing monthly data on demographics, referral services, and health outcomes, we have been able to provide the participating facility, through our grant funds, with a small amount of money to help cover a portion of the costs incurred related to staff time for the collection and reporting of data that supports our grant activities and deliverables for OD2A.  

Consistent with Resolution 19-20 and the revised Division of Responsibilities (10/8/19), the Board of Health retains contract authority for non-legal services greater than $50,000/year or $100,000/total contract.

MOVE TO authorize the Administrative Officer to sign professional services agreements with Providence Health & Services and Swedish Medical Center to provide surveillance activities for non-fatal overdose emergency room visits.