Increase in Opioid Overdoses Reported in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

Published Date: Nov 14, 2017‍

Heroin laced with fentanyl is likely the cause of the latest increase in overdoses reported by the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force. Since November 9th 11 overdoses have been reported in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, including two overdose deaths in Frederick County. The total number of lives lost this year is 38. In addition to the number of overdose deaths this year there have been 166 reported first responder Narcan administrations. Lab results, which may return in four to six months, will determine the
narcotics present in the overdoses. Fentanyl has been present in lab results from other overdoses this year.

In some previous years the area has seen an increase in overdoses during the last couple of months of the year. In 2015 nine lives were lost to heroin/opioid overdoses during the last six months of the year.

The Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition (NSVSAC) is encouraging those in the throes of addiction, or those who know someone who is struggling with the disease to call one of the Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. Thanks to the United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, the NSVSAC is able to offer the peer services free of charge to individuals in the community. If you or someone you know would like to speak to a peer today, please call (540) 325-6000. With a powerful message of hope combined with the experience of success in their own recovery, peer recovery specialists serve as life coaches, extending the clinical reach of treatment and going directly into the lives of people who need them most.

For a comprehensive listing of addiction resources in the Northern Shenandoah Valley visit www.roadtorecovery.info.