Overdose Prevention

Shield - Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts logo

Overdose Prevention

Harm reduction tools have a well-documented connection to overdose prevention. They can be used to interrupt the cycles of trauma and isolation that drive addiction, substance use, and overdose fatalities.

Shield - Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts logo

Overdose
Prevention


Harm reduction tools have a well-documented connection to overdose prevention. They can be used to interrupt the cycles of trauma and isolation that drive addiction, substance use, and overdose fatalities.

Naloxone/Narcan (overdose-reversing medication)


Narcan (naloxone) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and potentially save a person's life. It works to block the effects of the opioids, such as extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness, and restore normal breathing. Opioids can include fentanyl, heroin, and many prescription pain medications.

This medicine is not a substitute for emergency medical care, and it does not eliminate the need for calling 9-1-1 immediately for an overdose.

Naloxone is available for sale at pharmacies and is dispensed free of charge at your local health department. It is available as a nasal spray, and it can be administered by anyone with basic training.

Silhouette of narcan spray bottle

Narcan (naloxone) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and potentially save a person's life. It works to block the effects of the opioids, such as extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness, and restore normal breathing. Opioids can include fentanyl, heroin, and many prescription pain medications.

This medicine is not a substitute for emergency medical care, and it does not eliminate the need for calling 9-1-1 immediately for an overdose.

Naloxone is available for sale at pharmacies and is dispensed free of charge at your local health department. It is available as a nasal spray, and it can be administered by anyone with basic training.

Harm reduction test strips


Because drug use can have serious consequences, we are committed to help individuals with resources to make informed decisions about their health and safety. We offer harm reduction test strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl, benzodiazepines including Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin, and xylazine, also known as “tranq.

We also offer free drug disposal kits, which provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications. By taking advantage of these resources, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their communities from the harmful effects of drug use.

Because drug use can have serious consequences, we are committed to help individuals with resources to make informed decisions about their health and safety. We offer harm reduction test strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl, benzodiazepines including Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin, and xylazine, also known as “tranq.

We also offer free drug disposal kits, which provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications. By taking advantage of these resources, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their communities from the harmful effects of drug use.

REVIVE! Lay Rescuer trainings


REVIVE training is a 1.5 hr workshop (virtual, or in-person) that educates individuals on how to use naloxone, a medication that reverses an opioid overdose, in an emergency situation. We will cover information on addiction, common opioids, how to identify an overdose, and how to administer NARCAN, a pharmaceutical nasal-spray, to reverse the overdose. REVIVE and naloxone should be part of every first aid kit.

Community Partners


Mental Health and Crisis Resources

Blue Ridge Behavioral Health 24 Hour Crisis Line
(Roanoke City metro area)

Call: (540) 981-9351 or Text: TALK to 741741

Virginia Crisis and Suicide Hotline

Call: 988

SAMHSA National Helpline Number

Call: 1-800-622-HELP (4357)

Virtual Naloxone Training
(Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare website)

Peer Recovery Warmline

M-F, 9am-5pm - Call or text 540-655-3213

Trained peer recovery specialists available to provide non-judgmental guidance and resources for substance use treatment

Roanoke City Metro - Harm Reduction

National Harm Reduction

Call: (877) 696-1996

Recovery resources:

#ALLIN Carilion Peer Recovery Specialists:
(Roanoke City metro area)

Call: (540) 491-4878

Bradley Free Clinic Hope Line:
(Roanoke City metro area)

Call: (540) 339-9010 - Option #3

The Guinan Center:

Call: (540) 965-2100

Loving Life Fellowship Recovery:

Call: (540) 691-3422

Good News on Main Recovery:

Call: (540) 962-5814

Narcotics Anonymous Virginia Meetings

Visit website