Portsmouth Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction Services
The Portsmouth Health Department is committed to reducing overdose deaths, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and connecting individuals to essential care, treatment, and support. Our services are free, confidential, and available to all community members.
PATH: Portsmouth Access to Harm Reduction
The Portsmouth Health Department is proud to launch PATH: Portsmouth Access to Harm Reduction, a comprehensive harm reduction program dedicated to improving the health and well‑being of people who use drugs and the broader Portsmouth community.
PATH will open March 16, 2026, located at the Portsmouth Health Department.
This initiative is part of an evidence‑based statewide effort to:
- Reduce the spread of HIV, hepatitis C, and other infections
- Prevent overdose deaths
- Provide judgment‑free, person-centered care
- Connect individuals to health and social services
No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.
PATH Hours of Operation
- Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Services Provided by PATH
PATH offers a range of free*, confidential harm reduction services, including:
- Access to sterile supplies to reduce the spread of HIV, hepatitis C, and other infections
- Safe disposal of used supplies
- Overdose prevention education and free naloxone
- HIV and hepatitis C testing* with linkage to treatment
- Referrals to substance use treatment, primary medical care, mental health services, and social support resources
- Education on safer use, wound care, and general health topics
*Cost of testing may vary based on income and eligibility
StoryMap: Learn More About Data related to Substance Use in Portsmouth
Explore our interactive StoryMap to learn more about substance use trends, harm reduction services, and community resources in Portsmouth.
View the StoryMap: https://arcg.is/0nKH5q0
| What is Naloxone?
Naloxone blocks or reverses the effects of opioids, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Naloxone is used to treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation. This medicine should not be used in place of emergency medical care for an overdose. Always call EMS or 9-1-1 immediately. Make sure you obtain and carry naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. You can save a life. Additionally, Portsmouth Health Department provides dispensing of naloxone free of charge. |
RESOURCES – OPIOID DATA & RESOURCES
- Virginia Opioid Addiction Indicators Dashboard (Virginia Department of Health)
- Virginia Fatal Drug Overdose Data (Virginia Department of Health)
- Virginia Emergency Department Visits for Drug Overdose Data (Virginia Department of Health)
- Minority Aids Support Services | Hampton Roads, VA
NEW LAWS AROUND SAFE REPORTING AND SYRINGE EXCHANGE
Virginia has passed a series of laws that protect people reporting overdoses and those participating in needle exchange programs.
Virginia’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law
SSB 667: Safe Reporting — Effective July 1, 2020
No one is subject to arrest or prosecution for drugs/paraphernalia if seeking emergency medical attention for themselves or others who are overdosing. Individuals are expected to remain at the scene and identify themselves to emergency services. This law acts as affirmative defense; admitting that there was a crime but offering an explanation or justification for the incident. VCU Rams in Recovery Flyer: Calling 911 on an Overdose Just Got Safer (PDF)
Comprehensive Harm Reduction Programs Laws
Virginia law protects participants in needle exchange programs by stating that laws prohibiting the possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and controlled paraphernalia shall not apply to any person acting on behalf or for the benefit of a comprehensive harm reduction program when such possession is incidental to the provision of services as part of a comprehensive harm reduction program.
CONTACT
To schedule a training for your organization or have our mobile unit attend your event, please contact the Overdose Prevention Team at (757) 353-9925 or contact D’andrea Jones at dandrea.jones@vdh.virginia.gov.