OPIOID OVERDOSE PREVENTION
RAPID REVIVE! Training
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts offer virtual REVIVE each week via Zoom. REVIVE! is Virginia’s statewide opioid overdose and naloxone education program, which covers recognizing signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond using naloxone.
Weekly Virtual Training
- Tuesdays, 6:00-6:30 pm
- Thursdays, 1:00-1:30 pm
Naloxone and Fentanyl test strips are available at all in-person No registration needed.
Virtual training participants can arrange for free, contactless naloxone dispensing in the Metro Richmond Area.
Weekly Virtual Training
- Tuesdays, 6:00-6:30 pm
- Thursdays, 1:00-1:30 pm
No registration needed
Virtual training participants can arrange for free, contactless naloxone dispensing in the Metro Richmond Area
To join: go to zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 514 839 4896
Passcode: i5S2M8
If you are unable to attend training but would like to be trained on and receive naloxone, please call or text (804) 592-8069.
CONTACT
To schedule a training for your organization, please contact the Opioid Response Team at (804) 592-8069 or richmondnaloxonetraining@gmail.com.
ANNOUNCING: SPIKE ALERT
Sign up to be notified when there is a spike in opioid overdoses occurring in the greater Richmond community. A spike in overdoses may signify the presence of illegal or diverted prescription drugs in the community that are more potent or more likely to cause an overdose, which can be helpful information for individuals who might use opioids.
RHHD NOW OFFERS FREE FENTANYL TEST STRIPS
Fentanyl test strips can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in injectable drugs, as well as powder and pills. Fentanyl is a very potent opioid that more and more is being found in typically non-opioid drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Fentanyl may also be present in illicit pills. Unless a pill is dispensed by a pharmacist or clinician, there is a chance it is a counterfeit pill and may contain fentanyl. Fentanyl has been found in counterfeit XANAX, Percocet, OxyContin, Valium, and others. Testing drugs can help a person make a more informed choice about their use and reduce the risk of an opioid overdose. Fentanyl Test Strips are available during In-Person Naloxone training and at community dispensing events.
No matter what you use or how you use it- carry naloxone, go slow, and have a buddy.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone blocks or reverses the effects of opioids, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Naloxone is used to treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation. This medicine should not be used in place of emergency medical care for an overdose. Always call EMS or 9-1-1 immediately.
Make sure you obtain and carry naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. You can save a life.
You can get naloxone at pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS Pharmacy. Additionally, Richmond City Health District provides dispensing of naloxone free of charge.
[Download the Naloxone Flyer- English]
[Download the Naloxone Flyer- Spanish]
REDUCING HARMS / NEEDLE EXCHANGE
A comprehensive harm reduction program is now available in Richmond!
Virginia’s second needle exchange program is an initiative aimed at reducing the risk of spreading bloodborne disease by offering clean needles to injection drug users in Richmond.
The Health Brigade, formerly the Fan Free Clinic, is offering a comprehensive harm-reduction program. It provides HIV and hepatitis C testing, referrals to substance use treatment and other services alongside the clean syringes that the clinic gives away in exchange for used ones. Free naloxone is available at all comprehensive harm-reduction program sites.
HEALTH BRIGADE NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM LOCATION & HOURS
Mondays: 5-8pm Health Brigade
1010 N. Thompson St., Back parking lot
Tuesdays mobile: 12-3pm Church Hill
1403 N. 20th St. (at Rogers St. and T St.)
Wednesdays mobile: 12-3pm Northside
Corner of North Ave and Wickham St.
Thursdays mobile: 12-3pm Southside
Corner of Dinwiddie and Jefferson Davis
Education, Prevention, Treatment, Recovery for our Region.
BounceBackHC.com provides a comprehensive, regionally-focused clearinghouse of information about opioids as well as services available for treatment, recovery and prevention. It directs those needing immediate help or recovery support to resources, and it offers practical guidance, for example, on discussing pain-relieving alternatives with a doctor as well as what parents can do if their child is suspected of using drugs.
New laws around safe reporting and syringe exchange
Virginia has passed a series of laws that protect people reporting overdoses and those participating in needle exchange programs.
Virginia’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law
SSB 667: Safe Reporting — Effective July 1, 2020
No one is subject to arrest or prosecution for drugs/paraphernalia if seeking emergency medical attention for themselves or others who are overdosing.Individuals are expected to remain at the scene and identify themselves to emergency services. This law acts as affirmative defense; admitting that there was a crime but offering an explanation or justification for the incident.
VCU Rams in Recovery Flyer: Calling 911 on an Overdose Just Got Safer (PDF)
Comprehensive Harm Reduction Programs Laws
Virginia law protects participants in needle exchange programs by stating that laws prohibiting the possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and controlled paraphernalia shall not apply to any person acting on behalf or for the benefit of a comprehensive harm reduction program when such possession is incidental to the provision of services as part of a comprehensive harm reduction program.
RESOURCES
OPIOID DATA & RESOURCES
- Virginia Opioid Addiction Indicators Dashboard (Virginia Department of Health)
- Virginia Fatal Drug Overdose Data (Virginia Department of Health)
- Virginia Emergency Department Visits for Drug Overdose Data (Virginia Department of Health)
- Virginia Social Indicators Dashboard
- National Opioid Prescribing Rate Maps (Centers from Disease Control and Prevention)
