In the first three months of this year, 343 Virginians died by drug overdose.
Last year, 72 people in Planning District 16 died from opioid overdoses, according to preliminary statistics from the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In an effort to stem the rising tide of deaths, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board now offers REVIVE! training.
This fall, you could take this class:
- Oct. 27, 10 a.m. at Caroline County Library, 17202 Richmond Turnpike; Milford, Va. 22514
- Nov. 3, 10 a.m. at Central Rappahannock Regional Library Headquarters, 1201 Caroline Street; Fredericksburg, Va. 22401
- Nov. 15, 11 a.m. at Rappahannock United Way, 3310 Shannon Park Drive; Fredericksburg, Va. 22408
- Dec. 5, 12:30 p.m. at the Salem Church Library, 2607 Salem Church Road; Fredericksburg, Va. 22407
The free training helps individuals learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to use naloxone to reverse an overdose. Anyone with a friend or relative using opioids should attend the training. Each attendee will receive a free REVIVE! kit provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The kit includes the supplies needed to administer naloxone.
The opioid antidote can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription in Virginia. The Rappahannock Area Health District will provide a free dose of naloxone to individuals who have completed the training. To receive the dose, bring proof of completion to the health department.
“We see the impact of the opioid epidemic daily at RACSB. Many of the individuals who come to us for treatment credit naloxone for saving their lives,” said Deputy Executive Director Jane Yaun. “It is important for community members to know how to use the antidote. After individuals are revived, we hope they will come to RACSB to receive treatment to overcome addiction.”
To register or to learn more, contact Sherry Norton-Williams at 540/374-3337, ext. 102 or snorton@rappahannockareacsb.org.