Increase in Overdose Deaths Reported in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

Published Date: Jul 20, 2020‍

The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force has reported
five overdose deaths since last Thursday, bringing the total number of fatalities from overdoses in the region to 37 this year. Local residents are being encouraged to reach out to friends and loved ones who are living with addiction.

The most recent deaths include one in Page County on Thursday, July 16th, one in the City of
Winchester on Friday, July 17th, two in Frederick County on Saturday, July 18th, and one in
Warren County on Monday, July 20th. In addition, four non-fatal overdoses were reported since Friday; two in Frederick County and two in Front Royal. The total number of reported non-fatal overdoses in 2020 is now at 107.

The Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition is asking the public to share the
latest overdose alert with others in an effort to bring awareness. The Coalition encourages
family members and friends of individuals who use opioids or heroin to obtain NARCAN, a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and saves lives. Northwestern Community Services Board is hosting two Virtual REVIVE! trainings on July 31st and
August 28th. For more information on the trainings or to register visit www.roadtorecovery.info. NARCAN is also available free of charge at any of the Lord Fairfax Health District Health Departments. Please call to schedule a short training and to receive the medication. A complete list of the offices can be found at
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/lord-fairfax/district-offices/.

If you suspect that a friend or family member has a substance use disorder you should talk to the person about your concerns and offer help and support without being judgmental. Resources are available in the community for those in need. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to a sponsor, trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support. Certified Peer Recovery Specialists are also available to provide support and walk alongside individuals down the road to recovery.

Peer Support for Those in Need

  • Call the Peer2Peer Regional Warm Line where local Certified Peer Recovery Specialists
    are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-833-626-1490
  • Attend a virtual support group meeting. You can join online 12 step meetings through
    Narcotics Anonymous (narcotics.com), Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org), or SMART
    Recovery (smartrecovery.org). Many of the 12 step programs also offer phone or chat
    support. The Within Reach Peer Resource Center is also offering the following Peer-led
    virtual support group meetings:
    • Monday- 2PM FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) link up at http://zoom.us/j/8533023431 or ID# 8533023431. Focus is on positive affirmations and learning to love, accept, and take care of yourself and others.
    • Tuesday- 10AM-12PM OPEN DROP IN WITH A PEER link up at http://zoom.us/j/2718591808 or ID# 2718591808.
    • Tuesday- 2PM SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS link up at https://zoom.us/j/6360856554 or ID# 6360856554.
    • Tuesday- 5PM- 7PM OPEN DROP IN WITH A PEER http://zoom.us/j/5076056073 or ID# 5076056073
    • Wednesday- 2PM REFLECTIVE INSPIRATION link up at http://zoom.us/j/2099953510 or ID# 2099953510. Begins with a daily inspirational reading followed by open discussion.
    • Wednesday- 5PM- 7PM OPEN DROP IN WITH A PEER link up at http://zoom.us/j/5662244806 or ID # 5662244806
    • Thursday- 2PM THE SILVER LINING GROUP link up at https://zoom.us/j/6360856554 or ID# 6360856554. Open topic discussion group.
    • Friday- 12PM-2PM OPEN DROP IN WITH A PEER link up at http://zoom.us/j/8533023431 or ID# 8533023431.
    • Saturday- 3PM- 5PM- OPEN DROP IN WITH A PEER http://zoom.us/j/5288160892 or ID# 5288160892

For additional information and resources visit www.roadtorecovery.info and click on the
treatment or resources tab at the top of the page.