Opioids claimed the lives of more than 2,100 people in Virginia last year, according to reports from the Virginia Department of Health. In Fredericksburg and its four surrounding counties, 115 people lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2022.
Locally, community partners are coming together to remember loved ones lost and to continue their efforts to end overdose. August 31 is annually recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day. Several local events are planned:
Paint the Town Purple
Rappahannock Area Community Services Board’s prevention services team encourages the community to wear purple to show support for ending the stigma and preventing overdoses. The team suggests people snap selfies and share on social media using #ENDOVERDOSEFXBG or email pictures to prevention@rappahannockareacsb.org.
Drive/Walk Up Free Narcan with Training
Interested individuals can receive a quick, 10-minute training on reversing opioid overdoses and a free dose of naloxone:
- 9 a.m. to noon, Germanna Community College’s Fredericksburg and Locust Grove campuses
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Mary Washington’s Katora Coffee
- 4-7 p.m. Spotsylvania Towne Center in the parking lot near Jared.
Virtual Screening and Panel of Local Experts
Get a closer look at the impact of overdoses with a virtual screening of the short documentary “The Fentanyl Crisis: Stories of Heartbreak and Hope” via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. A panel discussion with local providers and individuals in recovery will follow the film. Sign up online at bit.ly/EndOverdoseFXBG.
To learn more about preventing opioid overdose, visit www.Rappahannockareacsb.org/Naloxone