Everett Fire Reports Positive Outcomes from Buprenorphine Pilot Project

As part of the City of Everett’s efforts to address the drug crisis impacting the community, the Everett Fire Department launched an innovative pilot program this summer that allows their paramedics to administer buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone, to individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms after an opioid overdose.

This initiative has allowed Everett firefighters and EMS to provide greater, immediate support to those affected by opioid use disorder (OUD) within the Everett community.

Buprenorphine alleviates withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings without producing a high, making it essential for managing opioid addiction. Research shows that consistent use can cut mortality rates from opioid addiction by half.

By administering this medication on-site after reversing an overdose with naloxone (Narcan), paramedics can address immediate withdrawal effects and initiate critical conversations about treatment and recovery.

Since the program’s launch on July 29, 2024, 21 individuals have accepted buprenorphine from paramedics. Remarkably, 90% of these individuals have engaged with embedded crisis responders from the City of Everett’s CARE Team. This program changed how Everett utilizes their embedded social workers, shifting from a traditional referral-only approach to crisis responders, allowing for immediate, on-site response and overcoming barriers that often delay access to care.

Noteworthy positive outcomes include reconnecting individuals with family support during their journey to sobriety, facilitating connections to substance use disorder agencies for counseling and treatment options, and linking clients to essential resources.

Collaboration has been crucial to the success of this pilot program. Among partnerships with various organizations and agencies, including the Washington State Department of Health and Snohomish Health Department, Everett Fire also recently partnered with Everett Transit. Everett Transit generously provided free bus passes for clients, removing transportation barriers and enabling easier access to shelters, meal distribution sites, appointments, shelter, and health care.

The diversity of individuals served by this program underscores the far-reaching effects and impacts of opioid dependency, regardless of using prescription medication or street-level drugs, with participants ranging in age from their mid-20s to mid-70s, including 13 females and eight males. Of those served, 12 were housed, while the remainder were unhoused.

“I’m proud to see the buprenorphine pilot program having early successes,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “We’ve seen that the fentanyl crisis causes or contributes to nearly every challenge facing our city, making programs like this incredibly important not only to those struggling with substance use disorder but our entire community.”

The City of Everett, the Everett Fire Department, and their partners remain committed to combating the opioid crisis and fostering recovery within the community. By offering immediate care through EMS personnel and crisis responders and enhancing access to treatment, they aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by opioid use disorder.

Further Resources:

The City of Everett, Snohomish County, and Washington State offer a range of resources to support service providers, individuals, families, and young people in their efforts to combat fentanyl and opioid use, as well as the risk of overdose. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, here are some resources:

• City of Everett Human Services
• Snohomish Overdose Prevention
• stopoverdose.org
• Washington Recovery Helpline (24hr crisis help & referral), 1-866-789-1511