Roanoke, Virginia – In a decisive move towards battling the pervasive issue of addiction, both Roanoke City and Roanoke County are channeling increased funds into harm reduction strategies, aiming to assist individuals grappling with addiction and those earnestly engaged in the recovery process.
A substantial grant exceeding $750,000 has been awarded to the Roanoke Valley by the Opioid Abatement Authority, utilizing funds obtained through the recent settlement related to the opioid epidemic.
According to recent findings published by the National EMS Information System, the City of Roanoke holds an unfortunate distinction: it ranks second nationwide in terms of nonfatal opioid overdoses. Furthermore, the data supplied by NEMSIS illustrates that the rate of nonfatal opioid overdoses in Virginia outpaces the national average.
The City of Roanoke is set to employ a portion of the grant, specifically $252,867, to launch initiatives such as peer recovery support, opioid testing strips, and overdose revival training for first responders. Wayne Leftwich, the Assistant to the Roanoke City Manager, underscored the fact that this crisis has far-reaching ramifications for the entire community.
“We find ourselves, collectively, under the shadow of this crisis,” stated Leftwich. He further acknowledged the startling nature of the associated data.
According to Leftwich, these funds mark the initial stage of a comprehensive five-year recovery plan. “The intention behind these projects is to offer training and services focusing on harm reduction, thereby mitigating the severity of the current crisis,” Leftwich commented. He further emphasized the importance of securing enough funding to ensure the continuity of these projects over the long term.
Additionally, the Roanoke Valley Collective Response is being allocated $500,000 to enhance ground-level resources, which includes the recruitment of additional staff and specialists. Robert Natt, the Director of Roanoke Valley Collective Response, emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the obstacles that individuals face when transitioning into recovery.
“Addressing this crisis requires a broad approach, spanning early prevention to harm reduction,” said Natt. Natt believes that the key to resolving the opioid crisis lies in aiding individuals to free themselves from the shackles of addiction and utilize local resources.
Natt went on to acknowledge the personal and communal impact of the epidemic. “These are our friends, our neighbors, our colleagues who are all exposed to this, if not touched deeply by this epidemic.” His hope is to foster open discussions and connect those in need with the necessary resources.
These grants form a part of the larger $23 million funding that is being directed towards communities in Virginia for addressing the opioid epidemic.
City authorities have noted that as these grants were announced only recently, a precise timeline for the disbursement of these funds to the community is yet to be determined.
