~ Press release provided by Lord Fairfax Health District
WINCHESTER, May 2 — Join the Lord Fairfax Health District in support of the third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day on Tuesday, May 7, to raise awareness about fentanyl-laced illicit drugs, tools that residents can use to prevent substance misuse, and community treatment resources to manage substance use disorders.
The Lord Fairfax Health District is joining organizations across Virginia and the United States who are coming together to raise public awareness of the urgent problem — people are dying at alarming rates due to illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
The number of fentanyl overdose deaths in the Commonwealth has grown over 20-fold since 2013, with 1,951 Virginians killed by fentanyl in 2022. Starting in 2020, more Virginians have died from fatal drug overdoses than motor vehicle and gun-related deaths combined. Drug overdose is the leading cause of unnatural death in Virginia and addressing the devastating impact of fentanyl is key.
“Engaging communities in awareness and providing the tools to prevent fentanyl overdoses and deaths is key in fighting this public health crisis. No community, big or small, is immune from the devasting impacts of fentanyl,” said Tara Blackley, Health Director for the Lord Fairfax Health District.
On Monday, May 6 and Thursday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Lord Fairfax Health District invites the community to participate in five separate events across its six localities to provide free naloxone distribution and training, fentanyl test strip education, and local recovery resources.
MONDAY, MAY 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.:
• Winchester — Handley Regional Library, 100 W Piccadilly Street, Winchester VA 22601
• Berryville — Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Store, 115 W Main Street, Berryville VA 22611
• Front Royal — Samuels Public Library, 330 E Criser Road, Front Royal VA 22630
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.:
• Luray — CVS, 1404 W 211 Bypass, Luray VA 22835
• Woodstock — CVS, 221 W Reservoir Road, Woodstock VA 22664
The Lord Fairfax Health District encourages the community to learn more about fentanyl in our community and how we can support one another through action and compassion.
Find more information about fentanyl risks at:
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