The overdose tragedy mostly impacts Roanoke, even though Virginia’s drug epidemic affects other counties and municipalities. The largest city in the Roanoke Valley, Roanoke, with about 100,000 residents. It is located near to the border with West Virginia in the southwest part of the state.
About Roanoke’s Drug Overdoses Problem
Lovely scenery, a diversified population, and excellent employment prospects may be found in Roanoke. Unfortunately, drug addiction and overdoses are a major problem there.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports that in 2020, Roanoke City had Virginia’s highest rate of drug overdose fatalities. There were over four times as many deaths as the state average of 22.8 per 100,000 residents, or 95.6 per 100,000 residents.
With 96 deaths from drug overdoses in 2020, Roanoke City also had the greatest total number of these deaths.
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The Reasons Behind Roanoke’s Overdose Crisis
Acetyl fentanyl, carfentanil, furanyl fentanyl, and other related compounds are easily obtainable and used, which is the primary cause of the overdose issue in Roanoke.
With varied strengths and purity, these medicines are highly potent and unpredictable. Relative to 2019 and 2020, fentanyl and its equivalents accounted for 64% and 83% of drug overdose deaths in Roanoke City.
Stimulant drug use, including cocaine and methamphetamine, has increased in Roanoke City as well. Adverse health effects such as heart attacks, strokes, and seizures can be caused by these medications.
Stimulants mixed with opioids can be hazardous and overpowering to the body. Compared to 28% in 2019, stimulants accounted for 38% of drug overdose deaths in Roanoke City in 2020.
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What Steps Are Being Taken to Address the Overdose Crisis in Roanoke?
An coordinated effort from several entities is required to address the complex issue of drug overdoses in Roanoke. Roanoke is taking steps, or has recommendations, to prevent and reduce drug overdose deaths.
1. Increasing the availability of naloxone Prescription-free naloxone is now accessible at pharmacies and community organizations. It has the ability to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Additionally stocked with naloxone for overdose victims is the Roanoke City Fire-EMS Department.
2. Expanding access to and utilization of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a treatment option that has been shown effective in treating opioid use disorder.
3. Enhancing the procedure for gathering and evaluating information about drug overdose events. The VDH and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner collaborate with the Roanoke City Police Department, Fire-EMS Department, and other agencies to monitor and document medication overdose incidents.
4. Adopting policies and procedures for harm reduction. Harm reduction tries to lessen the negative effects of drug use without insisting on total abstinence. Syringe exchanges, secure injecting locations, drug testing kits, and overdose prevention education are a few examples of these programs.
5. Dispelling the stigma associated with drug use and overdose. Not only can stigma result in prejudice, loneliness, and embarrassment, but it also makes it more difficult for people to get treatment for drug use and overdoses.
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To Conclude
Finally, strong drugs like fentanyl and stimulants are readily available in Roanoke, which is contributing to a major problem with drug overdoses. There is an urgent need for practical remedies because the city’s overdose rate is significantly greater than the state average.
It is possible to enhance outcomes by combining medication-assisted therapy, harm reduction services, naloxone accessibility, and data analysis, even though there isn’t a single, universally applicable solution. Encouraging those in need to feel supported and motivated to seek help is imperative in addressing the stigma associated with drug use and overdoses.
It is definitely a difficult road ahead for Roanoke. Still, the city can fight this epidemic by uniting different groups, implementing research-backed tactics, and encouraging empathy.
Strong commitment, creative thinking, and a firm faith in the potential for recovery are necessary to build a safer Roanoke. It won’t be until after this crisis that Roanoke can move past it, reclaim its vibrant character, and provide its citizens a better future.
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