Tag: opioid overdoses

Cumberland Plateau Health District Offers Community Opioid Overdose Prevention Training

April 14, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District
Offers Community Opioid Overdose Prevention Training

LEBANON, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District is advising the public that substances laced with fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives have been reported in the area. These substances can be potentially fatal to people who use them.

To help community members prevent fatal opioid overdoses, Cumberland Plateau Health District in partnership with Cumberland Mountain Community Services Board, and the Appalachian Substance Abuse Coalition (ASAC) will host several local events to distribute free naloxone. Naloxone (also known as Narcan®,) is a fast-acting, safe and easy-to-administer nasal spray that can restore breathing and reduce potentially fatal effects of opioid overdoses. Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. A family member, bystander, first responder, or medical provider can administer naloxone to save lives. As a reminder, if you come across someone who has overdosed, you should call 911.

“Opioid overdoses are increasing throughout the country as well as in our own region and we want to help keep our communities safe. A person who has overdosed is unresponsive and unable to self-administer an antidote,” said Daniel Hunsucker, population health coordinator, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “These events give family members, friends and community members the training and tools to recognize and respond to an overdose to help save lives.”

Free naloxone training and distribution events are open to the public and are available on a walk-in basis. No pre-registration is required. Individuals who attend will learn how to use naloxone and will receive a free box containing two doses. Cumberland Plateau Health District does not ask for identification when distributing naloxone.

Naloxone Training Schedule:

  • Tuesday, April 14
    • Roger Jessee Food Bank, Castlewood; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 15
    • Rescue/Community Center Parking Lot Dante Rescue; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 19
    • Mendota Health Fair, Mendota; 9 a.m.

“Many families have been touched in some way by the opioid epidemic,” said Daniel Hunsucker. “Getting trained and carrying naloxone is a great way for communities to get involved. Everyone is encouraged to get trained at these events and take advantage of the no-cost naloxone while it is available.”

For more information about opioids, visit www.CDC.gov/opioids. For more information about how to get free Narcan®, call your local health department.

Cumberland Plateau Health District:

  • Buchanan County 276-935-4591
  • Dickenson County 276-926-4979
  • Russell County 276-889-7621
  • Tazewell County 276-988-5585

Mount Rogers Health District Celebrates Progress in 2023 Annual Report

February 12, 2023
Media Contact: Meagan Helmick, PhD, MPH, CHES®
Health Director
Meagan.helmick@vdh.virginia.gov 

Mount Rogers Health District Celebrates Progress in 2023 Annual Report

(MARION, Va.) — The Mount Rogers Health District is thrilled to release its 2023 Annual Report, highlighting significant achievements in public health, with a particular emphasis on addressing substance use disorder, community outreach events, and positive outcomes in BabyCare, Family Planning, and WIC programs.

Throughout the year, the Mount Rogers Health District has worked diligently to address public health challenges, demonstrating resilience in the face of unprecedented events. The 2023 Annual Report reflects the district’s dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of residents and fostering a culture of health and wellness.

Key highlights of the 2023 Annual Report include:

  • Proactive Approach to Address Substance Use Disorder with REVIVE Training
    Through comprehensive REVIVE training programs, community members gained essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively to opioid overdoses. This initiative reflects our commitment to saving lives and fostering a community equipped to address this critical public health issue. The district provided training to over 800 individuals and dispensed more than 2,000 doses of Narcan to our community members.
  • Community Health Worker Outreach Events
    These events ranged from educational workshops to wellness fairs, creating opportunities for direct interaction with the community and facilitating meaningful conversations about health and well-being. The community health workers hosted 68 events and attended an additional 126 events.
  • Positive Outcomes in Child and Maternal Health
    The BabyCare and Family Planning programs have yielded positive outcomes, contributing to healthier pregnancies and improved family planning choices for women in the community. More than 2,000 women received family planning services at one of the eight health departments in the district.

Furthermore, more than 1,400 home visits were performed by the district’s public health nurses and more than 300 mothers and/or babies were enrolled in our BabyCare program. Mount Rogers Health District accounted for 21% of all BabyCare visits performed in Virginia. Through personalized care and education, these programs have empowered individuals and families to make informed decisions, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes.

  • WIC Program Success
    The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program continued to play a crucial role in promoting nutrition and healthy development. By providing essential support to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, WIC has positively impacted the nutritional well-being of our community, ensuring a strong start for the next generation. More than 4,100 participants received WIC services from the health district in 2023. Additionally, $18,000 worth of Farmers Market coupons were redeemed last year.

Dr. Meagan Helmick, Director of the Mount Rogers Health District, stated, “Our 2023 Annual Report reflects the dedication of our team and the resilience of our community. By addressing substance use disorder, engaging in impactful outreach, and achieving positive child and maternal health outcomes, we are building a foundation for a healthier community.”

The 2023 Annual Report, inclusive of detailed information on these achievements, is available for review on the Mount Rogers Health District website https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mount-rogers/.