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CONTACT
To schedule a training for your organization, please contact the Opioid Response Team at [email protected].
No matter what you use or how you use it- carry naloxone, go slow, and have a buddy.
CLICK HERE FOR THE NALOXONE DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone blocks or reverses the effects of opioids, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Naloxone is used to treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation. This medicine should not be used in place of emergency medical care for an overdose. Always call EMS or 9-1-1 immediately.
Make sure you obtain and carry naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. You can save a life.
You can get naloxone at pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS Pharmacy. Additionally, Richmond City Health District provides dispensing of naloxone free of charge.
[Download the Naloxone Flyer- English]
[Download the Naloxone Flyer- Spanish]
REDUCING HARMS / NEEDLE EXCHANGE
A comprehensive harm reduction program is now available in Richmond!
Virginia’s second needle exchange program is an initiative aimed at reducing the risk of spreading bloodborne disease by offering clean needles to injection drug users in Richmond.
The Health Brigade, formerly the Fan Free Clinic, is offering a comprehensive harm-reduction program. It provides HIV and hepatitis C testing, referrals to substance use treatment and other services alongside the clean syringes that the clinic gives away in exchange for used ones. Free naloxone is available at all comprehensive harm-reduction program sites.
HEALTH BRIGADE NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM LOCATION & HOURS
Mondays:
5-8 pm Health Brigade back parking lot (1010 N. Thompson St.)
Tuesdays:
(mobile)
10 AM – 12 PM Church Hill, Lucks Field (Rogers St. and “T” Street)
Wednesdays:
(mobile)
10 AM – 12 PM Northside Location (Corner of North Ave and Wickham St.)
Thursdays:
(mobile)
10 AM – 12 PM Southside (Corner of Dinwiddie and Jefferson Davis)
Education, Prevention, Treatment, Recovery for our Region.
BounceBackHC.com provides a comprehensive, regionally-focused clearinghouse of information about opioids as well as services available for treatment, recovery and prevention. It directs those needing immediate help or recovery support to resources, and it offers practical guidance, for example, on discussing pain-relieving alternatives with a doctor as well as what parents can do if their child is suspected of using drugs.
New laws around safe reporting and syringe exchange
Virginia has passed a series of laws that protect people reporting overdoses and those participating in needle exchange programs.
Virginia’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law
SSB 667: Safe Reporting — Effective July 1, 2020
No one is subject to arrest or prosecution for drugs/paraphernalia if seeking emergency medical attention for themselves or others who are overdosing.Individuals are expected to remain at the scene and identify themselves to emergency services. This law acts as affirmative defense; admitting that there was a crime but offering an explanation or justification for the incident.
VCU Rams in Recovery Flyer: Calling 911 on an Overdose Just Got Safer (PDF)
Comprehensive Harm Reduction Programs Laws
Virginia law protects participants in needle exchange programs by stating that laws prohibiting the possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and controlled paraphernalia shall not apply to any person acting on behalf or for the benefit of a comprehensive harm reduction program when such possession is incidental to the provision of services as part of a comprehensive harm reduction program.
