Every year, August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day. This is a time to remember those lost to overdose, acknowledge the grief of affected families and friends, and take action to prevent future tragedies. This blog will detail the statistics and resources that are available in Planning District 16, which encompasses the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and King George. The fight against overdose is supported by a network of dedicated organizations, nonprofits, and resources.
Understanding the Crisis
Overdose deaths continue to be a significant public health issue. Overdose Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery support. Unfortunately, millions of people in the United States struggle with substance use disorders across the country. In Virginia, 2,104 people died from opioid overdose in 2022. In 2021, an average of 7 people were lost every day to opioid overdose. While these numbers are devastating, reenforcing and supporting harm reduction strategies can greatly impact these statistics in a positive way.
What is Harm Reduction?
As defined by Save1Life, harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use.
Examples of harm reductions are:
- Overdose reversal education/training services
- Narcan/Naloxone availability
- linkage to HIV and viral Hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and care services
- Substance use kits/safer sex kits
- Sharps disposal/medical disposal kits
- Medication Lock Boxes
- Access to and/or providing supplies to promote safe injection practices
- supervised consumption sites
- Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
“Save1Life.” Rappahanock Area Community Service Board, rappahannockareacsb.org/save1life/.
Local Resources for Substance Abuse and Overdose Prevention
1. Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAfred): MHAfred connects individuals with mental health resources and provides the MHAfred HELPLINE for those seeking support. The MHAfred HELPLINE is a valuable resource for finding mental health providers and services in the area. Call us today at (540) 371-2704 to learn more about the services provided at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.
2. Save1Life: Save1Life is a nonprofit organization based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, dedicated to providing educational resources and implementing harm reduction in Planning District 16. You can receive more training and information from Save1Life today by following them on social media. Lastly, visit this link for more information about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved with harm reduction today!
3. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB): The RACSB provides comprehensive behavioral health services, including substance use treatment and prevention programs. The RACSB offers emergency services 24/7; if you are in need of immediate assistance, call their emergency services line at (540) 373-6876.
National Resources
Mental Health America (MHA): MHA provides extensive resources on substance use disorders, emphasizing the importance of integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. Their website offers educational materials, a mental health screening tool, and advocacy information.
Visit the Internation Overdose Awareness Day website to learn more about how they are spreading awareness and sharing resources.
Taking Action
Overdose Awareness Day is not just about remembrance; it’s about taking action. Here are some ways you can contribute:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the signs of overdose and how to use Narcan by attending a Save1Life training. Share this knowledge with your community.
- Support Local Organizations: Donate to organizations like Mental Health America of Fredericksburg and Save1Life that help support harm reduction in Planning District 16.
- Volunteer Today: Get out in your community and volunteer with organizations that promote and advocate for harm reduction! Refer to our blog, “Volunteering with Nonprofits: What You Need to Know” for more information about how to get involved in Planning District 16.
By coming together as a community, we can make a difference in the fight against overdose and substance abuse. Let’s honor those we’ve lost by taking meaningful steps to prevent future tragedies.
This year’s motto for International Overdose Awareness Day is “Together We Can” and it’s true! Together, we can shape and change our community for the better by educating ourselves, spreading awareness, and getting involved. Visit Mental Health America of Fredericksburg today to learn more about our nonprofit.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988. For help finding mental health providers in the Fredericksburg region, call us at (540) 371-2704 or visit our online provider resource database at www.mhafred/helpline/.