Roanoke, Virginia – The National EMS Information System has released new data revealing the harrowing news that Roanoke ranks second in the country for non-fatal overdoses, between March 13th of last year to March 12th of this year. This news has ignited concern and calls for immediate action from the community, including local authorities and healthcare providers.
According to Roanoke City Delegate, Sam Rasoul, more resources are needed to combat this epidemic. Rasoul believes that prevention starts with providing more help to those with substance use disorder before it is too late. He is, therefore, involved with the Catawba Hospital in Roanoke County, where funding from the general assembly is being secured to build out residential treatment beds, which will be the first in the state, with the vision of it becoming the first in the nation.
Bedford County’s Horizon Behavioral Health has also taken steps to lower the number of overdoses in the area. Marianne Powell, the ‘Outpatient Program Manager,’ said that the number of treatment providers offering Suboxone or medication-assisted treatment has grown in the last several years. Furthermore, Horizon also offers ‘Office Based Addiction Treatment’ (OBAT), where they provide suboxone.
To combat access to pain medication at home, Horizon is offering lockboxes that people can store medication in, as well as drug disposal bags. Powell has also highlighted that some healthcare providers are making it difficult to give patients opioid prescriptions and refills, leading people to turn back to using street drugs, as they are easier to access.
This Saturday is ‘National Drug Take Back Day,’ with a number of area police and prevention departments taking part, including Horizon. They are not only taking meds, but are also holding a free revive training, hoping to reduce the risk of accidental and intentional overdoses, amongst other things.
The Roanoke City & Alleghany Health District has a complete list of overdose prevention options. However, Portsmouth, Virginia also made the list, ranking sixth in the nation, and the entire commonwealth was classified as having “higher than average” non-fatal overdose rates.
The initiative to prevent overdose deaths due to prescription medications would not be possible without the support of community partners, who dedicate their time and resources to this valuable effort. As Melissa Lucy, Horizon CEO, says, “The effort starts in the home. Safe storage, proper disposal, education, especially among adolescents, young adults, and older adults, is key in preventing overdose deaths due to prescription medications.”
The recent news of Roanoke’s high ranking for non-fatal overdoses should serve as a call to action for the community, local authorities, and healthcare providers to work together to combat this epidemic. Through preventative measures, such as more resources for those with substance use disorder and education on safe storage and disposal of medication, we can make a difference and reduce the number of overdoses in the area.
