RHHD shares tips to prevent, recognize opioid overdoses ahead of Aug. 31 awareness day

In advance of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, officials from the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are urging residents to learn the warning signs of an opioid overdose and to consider carrying naloxone, a medication that can reverse one.

“Opioid overdoses continue to impact families and communities across our region,” said Jasmine Blue, RHHD’s substance use disorder coordinator. “Knowing the signs of an overdose, carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it are steps one can take to save a life.”

Preliminary 2024 data (as of June 2025) showed encouraging signs in the state's effort to curb fatal overdoses. The 1,403 drug overdose deaths among Virginia residents last year represents a 43% decrease from 2023.

Henrico saw a 51% decrease in drug overdose deaths and a 54% decline in opioid overdose deaths, according to the data, while Richmond witnessed a 40% decline in drug overdose deaths and a 46% decline in opioid overdose deaths.

Opioids — prescription or illicit — can slow or stop breathing and lead to overdose. Anyone taking prescription opioids is at risk of an unintentional overdose or even death, according to RHHD officials. Common prescription opioids include hydrocodone (for example Vicodin or Norco), oxycodone (OxyContin or Percocet) and morphine (MS Contin or Kadian).

Potential overdose signs include unresponsiveness or inability to wake the person; dizziness or disorientation; blue or gray lips and nails; extremely small pupils; slow or no breathing; choking, gurgling or snoring sounds; and cold or clammy skin. Call 911 immediately if these signs are present.

Naloxone (brand name Narcan) can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and is available as an injectable or prepackaged nasal spray. It may be covered by insurance and is available at little or no cost through RHHD and community partners. RHHD dispenses naloxone at:

• Henrico West Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Henrico — Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.;

• Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Richmond — Mondays, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.;

• Resource Centers — Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Community sites via the RHHD mobile unit (see RHHD Naloxone Dispensing Schedule).

The City of Richmond also operates two harm-reduction vending machines offering free, 24/7 access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips and personal hygiene items at Marshall Plaza, 900 East Marshall Street, and Southside Plaza, 4100 Hull Street.

People are at higher risk of overdose after leaving emergency care for an overdose; after detox, incarceration or abstinence-based treatment (due to lost tolerance); while enrolled in treatment; during active substance use; when mixing drugs (including alcohol, stimulants or depressants); when using alone; when changing opioid strength or formulation; and if they have certain medical conditions such as chronic lung, kidney or liver disease.

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