Drug overdose and substance use affect all communities in Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) developed this needs assessment tool using drug overdose-related data to help identify which Virginia communities may need extra support from focused drug overdose-related prevention and intervention strategies.
VDH uses this tool, along with other information, to carry out public health programs to reduce the harms connected with drug use, including:
- Naloxone distribution to local health districts and community partners.
- Comprehensive Harm Reduction programs, which are public health services to reduce the negative impact of drug use.
An assessment score for each Virginia locality (counties and independent cities) is compared to the state score. If a locality received a score higher than the state score, it is considered at higher need for drug overdose-related outcomes and substance use. Localities with higher need may require more resources and support for prevention and intervention services.
These data can be used to inform public health action to reduce and prevent drug overdose. This tool does not assess a locality’s capacity or ability to implement drug overdose prevention and intervention strategies. Communities may also want to work with other local data, existing programs and partnerships, and known areas of increased need when deciding on prevention approaches that best fit their communities. No matter the assessment score, drug overdose and substance use affect all communities. Together with local and state partners, VDH's goal is to support all communities in their efforts to reduce the harms connected with drug use as resources allow.
The table below contains the same information in a table format.
- Data in the table can be sorted by locality, health district, or score. Click on the right side of the column title to sort the selected column.
- Data can be filtered by year in the “Select Year” dropdown menu.
- Download data in Excel and PDF formats.
Scoring Methodology and Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about the indicators used and how each locality is scored in the Scoring & Methodology document.
Find more information about the needs assessment tool through Frequently Asked Questions.
More Resources:
- Substance Use Disorder Services, including information about Community Service Boards, which provide access to treatment for substance use disorder across Virginia.
- Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Recovery, which helps Virginians affected by substance use disorder find resources related to treatment and recovery.
- Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority
- Learn more about Virginia’s response to the opioid epidemic at Curb The Crisis.
In 2022, Governor Youngkin launched the Right Help, Right Now behavioral health transformation plan. The three-year plan outlines that all Virginians will be able to access behavioral health care and prevention and management services, including substance use disorder treatment and services.