Hospitals play a critical role in preventing opioid overdoses by mitigating risks at the point of prescribing. One of the most effective strategies is co-prescribing naloxone when patients receive opioids. Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that reverses overdoses, and making it readily available to patients and their families can save lives and reduce emergency department visits. 

To support hospitals and care teams in adopting this best practice, the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) has partnered with the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Starts with One campaign to develop new naloxone education materials for hospitals and health care facilities.  

Hospitals can order these free materials now through February 13.  

The new resources are designed to help patients better understand what naloxone is, why it matters and how to use it. They also support providers in having clear, consistent conversations with patients about responsible use of opioid medications and overdose prevention. 

Making naloxone education visible and accessible is a critical step in reducing overdose deaths and reinforcing patient safety across care settings. 

The newly available materials include: 

  • A folding rack card for waiting areas or exam rooms that explains what naloxone is, how it works, why carrying it matters and where patients can obtain it. 
  • A postcard‑sized prescription handout providers or pharmacists can give directly to patients when prescribing opioids and naloxone, reinforcing key safety messages at the point of care. 
  • A conversation guide table tent, designed to fold and stand on desks, featuring a brief checklist to help clinicians quickly reference important talking points during opioid‑prescribing discussions. 

Together, these tools are intended to normalize naloxone education, reduce stigma and encourage informed, proactive conversations between patients and care teams. 

To order materials for your facility, complete the online order form by Friday, Feb. 13 and plan for one to two months for processing and delivery. Materials are shipped directly to hospitals at no cost, and you can learn more about WSHA’s opioid work on our website.  

Sincerely, 

Tina Seery 
WSHA Senior Director of Clinical Excellence 
[email protected]