Washington State is currently experiencing an opioid overdose epidemic. During 2000–2008, the rate of opioid-related overdose deaths increased dramatically due to a rapid rise in overdose deaths involving prescription opioids. Since 2008, overdose deaths related to prescription opioids have steadily fallen while overdose deaths related to heroin have increased resulting in a stable rate of overdose deaths due to any opioid. Overdose deaths related to fentanyl have increased slightly over the past few years.

The Washington State Opioid Response Plan outlines the goals, strategies and actions that state agencies are implementing or planning to implement in the near future. The four priority goals are:
1. Prevent opioid misuse and abuse
2. Identify and treat opioid use disorder
3. Reduce morbidity and mortality from opioid use disorder
4. Use data and information to detect opioid misuse/abuse, monitor morbidity and mortality, and evaluate interventions

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