Tag: Revive

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Highlights REVIVE! Training During National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

March 10, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Highlights REVIVE! Training During National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

WARRENTON, Va.– During National Drug and Alcohol Facts week the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is highlighting the importance of overdose prevention by encouraging community members to participate in free REVIVE! training.

REVIVE! is Virginia’s opioid overdose and naloxone education program. It teaches people to recognize the signs of overdose and how to administer naloxone. This lifesaving medication can reverse an overdose.

“Preparedness doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of tireless training, coordination, and commitment,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “We’re proud to lead with readiness and resilience, and we will continue working every day to keep our communities safe.”

Last year, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District distributed 220 boxes of free naloxone kits. The kits include two single-dose naloxone nasal spray devices.

REVIVE! is a key part of the state’s comprehensive strategy to combat the opioid epidemic. It is recognized as part of the reason for the recent decrease in opioid overdose deaths.

In 2025, 16 residents in the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health district died from a drug overdose — eight y in Fauquier, three in Culpeper there were 3 deaths, and five in Orange. Overall, Drug Overdose Deaths among Virginia residents have been decreasing for the last several years.

  • 663 in 2025 (preliminary data, subject to change.)
  • 1,403 in 2024 (preliminary data, subject to change.)
  • 2,463 in 2023
  • 2,490 in 2022
  • 2,622 in 2021

On average, from 2020 to 2024, approximately three in four (75.8%) of drug overdose deaths involved fentanyl, or other synthetic opioids.

Your organization may be eligible to receive free REVIVE! training and receive a free naloxone kit. Each includes the lifesaving nasal spray and fentanyl test strips.

To learn more about REVIVE! training contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.

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Crater Health District Gives Tips to Combat Substance Use Disorder This Winter

February 20, 2026

Media Contact: RaShel Charles, District PIO, RaShel.Charles@vdh.virignia.gov

Tara Rose. Alternate PIO Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District Gives Tips to Combat Substance Use Disorder This Winter

PETERSBURG, Va. – Winter is often a time of reflection and resolution, but for some, it’s a time when substance use increases. Crater Health District (CHD) reminds the community that substance use disorder (SUD) is a critical issue highlighted during this time of year, particularly as individuals and communities set intentions for improvement and recovery.

“Substance Use Disorder affects every part of our community, and no one should face it alone.” said Crater District Health Director, Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. “This month, we renew our commitment to reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and supporting every person on their path to recovery.”

Winter months often bring unique challenges that can increase the risk of drug use. Shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and reduced opportunities for outdoor activities can lead to feelings of isolation and seasonal depression. Social gatherings and celebrations where substances may be present can create an environment where individuals are more vulnerable to relapses or misuse. Understanding these risks is essential for developing strategies to maintain sobriety and support overall well-being during this season.

“Substance use disorder is not a moral failing, it is a treatable, chronic brain disorder,” said Elle Merkle, Overdose Prevention Coordinator. “Our CHD Overdose Prevention Team works to expand health education, increase access to naloxone, and connect people with evidence-based treatment and resources to strengthen recovery and help build more resilient communities.”

The CHD Overdose Prevention Team provides:

  • REVIVE! Overdose prevention training with free naloxone.
  • Opioid prevention education and distributes fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
  • Community linkages to care.
  • Peer Recovery Specialist Alliance Network.
  • Resource connections and collaborative partnerships.
  • Support for long-term recovery.

Crater Health District share tips to stay resilient:

  • Stay connected with friends, family, and recovery groups.
  • Anticipate high-risk situations and rehearse responses.
  • Set boundaries for social events.
  • Remain aware of personal triggers that are brought on by large social gatherings, especially when alcohol is served.
  • Substance use struggles often happen together with mood disorders like depression or anxiety increasing vulnerability during stressful times in winter.
  • Maximize daylight exposure, ensure proper sleep, exercise regularly, and eat balanced meals.
  • Replace substance-related habits with comforting alternatives like tea, journaling, or meditation. Use journaling to identify patterns and act early on warning signs.
  • Join support groups or volunteer to boost mood and structure.
  • Connect with professional help if needed.

If you have drug or alcohol concerns, mental health struggles, emotional distress, or just need someone to talk to, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A trained crisis worker can provide immediate help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have questions about SUD or looking for direct linkage to recovery resources and treatment call 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District. If you need more information about our CHD Overdose Prevention Team, contact Elle Merkle at Elle.Merkle@vdh.virginia.gov 804-481-2042 or JaDa Woodley at Jada.Woodley@vdh.virginia.gov 804-704-7554.

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Central Shenandoah Health District Provides Services to Reduce Overdose Deaths

August 29, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Provides Services to Reduce Overdose Deaths
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31

STAUNTON, Va. – August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember and grieve loved ones who lost their lives to drug overdoses. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is a key community partner in the fight to prevent drug overdoses. CSHD District provides support, encourages recovery, and spreads overdose prevention awareness.

Fatal drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Virginia. In 2024, 1,403 Virginians tragically lost their lives to drug overdoses. 97 of those deaths occurred within the Central Shenandoah Health District.

“Even one overdose is too many,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director of CSHD. “Overdose is preventable, and the health department is glad to offer free Naloxone to its residents.”

Central Shenandoah Health District overdose prevention services include:

  • Naloxone kits,
  • Overdose reversal education,
  • Fentanyl test strips,
  • Drug treatment services referrals,
  • HIV and hepatitis testing, and
  • Connections to medical care and support services.

Learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose at Central Shenandoah Health District’s REVIVE! Training. Call CSHD at (540) 332-7830 to schedule a training session today.

For more information on drug overdose prevention resources, contact Central Shenandoah Health District. You can also email questions to overdose@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Chesapeake Health Department Provides Services to Reduce Overdose Deaths

August 28, 2025
Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov

The Chesapeake Health Department Provides Services to Reduce Overdose Deaths
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31


CHESAPEAKE, Va. – August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember and grieve loved ones who lost their lives to drug overdoses. The Chesapeake Health Department is a key community partner in the fight to prevent drug overdoses by providing support, encouraging recovery and spreading overdose prevention awareness.

Fatal drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Virginia. In 2024, 1,403 Virginians tragically lost their lives to drug overdoses. Chesapeake has experienced 223 local emergency room overdose visits with ten confirmed fatalities since the beginning of 2025.

“Addiction is complex,” Jennifer Hahn, nurse practitioner and certified REVIVE! Trainer, said. “An untreated overdose can lead to severe health consequences or unintentional death. ”

Even experimenting with one pill can kill. The ‘One Pill Can Kill’ campaign has helped raise awareness. REVIVE! gives the community the tools to respond and prevent overdose deaths.

“As both a clinician and a parent, I find it terrifying—no one thinks it can happen to them until it does. If we can prevent even one family from experiencing the preventable loss of a loved one, this public health effort is worth it.” Hahn said.

Chesapeake Health Department overdose prevention services include:

  • Overdose reversal education (REVIVE!),
  • Naloxone kits,
  • Drug test strips,
  • Drug treatment services referrals,
  • HIV and hepatitis testing, and
  • Connections to medical care and support services.

Learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose with REVIVE! Training with The Chesapeake Health Department. Visit https://redcap.link/9raczd3i for the training schedule. Rapid REVIVE! Training is also available at the Friday Farmers Market, 70 Knells Ridge Blvd., Chesapeake, Va. Between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

For more information on drug overdose prevention resources, contact The Chesapeake Health Department at (757) 382-8631. You can also email questions to overdose@vdh.virginia.gov.

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The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Provides Services to Reduce Overdose Deaths

August 25, 2025
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Provides Services to Reduce Overdose Deaths
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31.

WARRENTON, Va. – August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember and grieve loved ones who lost their lives to drug overdoses the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is a key community partner in the fight to prevent drug overdoses. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District provides support, encourages recovery, and spreads overdose prevention awareness.

Fatal drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Virginia. In 2024, 1,403 Virginians tragically lost their lives to drug overdoses. In the past five years, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District has experienced more than 200 overdose deaths. However, the drug overdose emergency department visit rates have been declining from 79.5% in 2020 to 37.5% in 2024.

Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy that ripples through families, schools, and workplaces. We honor those we have lost by strengthening our commitment to prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy that ripples through families, schools, and workplaces. We honor those we have lost by strengthening our commitment to prevention, treatment, and recovery. the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District overdose prevention services include:

  • Naloxone kits,
  • Overdose reversal education,
  • Drug test strips,
  • HIV and hepatitis testing, and
  • Connections to medical care and support services.

Learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose at the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District ’s REVIVE! Training. To schedule your naloxone training email AskRRHD@vdh.virginia.gov or call your local health department. You can also email questions to overdose@vdh.virginia.gov.

For more information on drug overdose prevention resources, contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at AskRRHD@vdh.virginia.gov. You can also email questions to overdose@vdh.virginia.gov.

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Mount Rogers Health District Highlights Achievements in 2024 Annual Report

January 30, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, 276-781-7450

Mount Rogers Health District Highlights Achievements in 2024 Annual Report

MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD) has unveiled its 2024 Annual Report, spotlighting a year of significant progress in improving community health and well-being across its eight localities. The report underscores the district’s ongoing commitment to addressing pressing public health challenges while fostering collaboration with community partners.

The report highlights a range of clinical achievements, including the administration of more than 7,000 immunizations, which played a critical role in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Through the Every Woman’s Life program, 173 women received essential screenings for breast and cervical cancer, offering life-saving early detection. Additionally, the Oral Health program expanded its reach to over 1,100 students, a nearly 200% increase from the previous year. These efforts reflect MRHD’s focus on equitable access to preventive healthcare services.

In response to the opioid epidemic, MRHD made substantial strides in substance use disorder prevention. The district’s REVIVE! training educated over 810 participants on recognizing and responding to overdoses, while more than 1,800 doses of naloxone were distributed to those in need. Comprehensive Harm Reduction services, which support individuals at high risk of overdose, reached 578 participants, offering life-saving resources and a pathway to recovery.

Emergency preparedness efforts were another cornerstone of MRHD’s work in 2024. The district earned the prestigious Project Public Health Ready designation, highlighting its robust readiness to address public health emergencies. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers contributed over 970 hours of service, providing critical support during both emergency and non-emergency events. Training initiatives, such as CPR and Stop the Bleed programs, equipped community members with essential skills to save lives in critical situations.

Programs supporting family and child health also made a significant impact. The BabyCare program conducted over 1,400 home visits, offering personalized support to 225 mothers and infants. Meanwhile, the Child Safety program provided 309 free car seats, accompanied by hands-on education, to families across the district. These initiatives underscore MRHD’s dedication to nurturing the health and safety of future generations.

MRHD also conducted a comprehensive Community Health Assessment (CHA) across its eight localities, gathering feedback from over 1,600 residents. This process identified key health priorities, including mental health, obesity, substance use disorders, and access to care, which will shape the district’s future strategic planning and health improvement efforts.

Promoting health equity remained a central focus throughout 2024. The district launched a Spanish-language phone line to improve access for non-English-speaking residents, handling over 100 calls since its inception. The health equity team also attended more than 70 community events, ensuring resources and services reached underserved populations.

Health Director Dr. Meagan Helmick reflected on the district’s accomplishments: “The 2024 Annual Report demonstrates Mount Rogers Health District’s steadfast dedication to protecting and promoting the health of our communities. From addressing the opioid epidemic to enhancing emergency preparedness, our team continues to respond to the evolving needs of our residents.”

For the full Annual Report or more information about MRHD services, visit the district’s website at Virginia Department of Health – Mount Rogers Health District.

Southside Health District Offers Revive! Training

June 6, 2024
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Offers Revive! Training

CHASE CITY, Va. – Southside Health District will offer Revive! training Thursday, June 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Estes Community Center, located at 316 N. Main St., Chase City.

REVIVE! is Virginia’s statewide opioid overdose and naloxone education program. Since 2013, fatal drug overdose continues to be the leading method of unnatural death in Virginia.

Participants will learn to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, respond to an opioid emergency, and effectively use Naloxone. Naloxone is now an over-the-counter medication that reverses an overdose that might otherwise be fatal.

To register, complete the online form or call (804) 914-2608. Space is limited, so register today. The training is open to all community members and there are no requirements to participate. Upon completion, each participant will receive two doses of Naloxone nasal spray. The training takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

An opioid overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you think an overdose may be occurring, it is important to act quickly to save a life and call 911 immediately.

For more information or to schedule additional trainings, contact Amanda Hutchins at (804) 914-2608 or amanda.hutchins1@vdh.virginia.gov.

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