Statewide and local steps aim to combat fentanyl crisis
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 26 into effect on Tuesday, which is also National Fentanyl Awareness Day.
"Enhance public safety measures and penalties for manufacturers and distributors. We're going to invest in prevention and recovery. We're going to educate our communities,” Youngkin said.
The Blue Ridge Health District has already started.
"It is a problem that is affecting everyone's communities. It's not an isolated incident,” said Norman Dorise with BRHD.
BRHD handed out Naloxone (the generic name for the nasal spray Narcan), fentanyl test strips, revive kits for rescue breathing, medication disposal bags and lock boxes.
"Being able to have access to things like Naloxone, like fentanyl test strips, like medicine disposal bags, is a way we can protect our community from the presence these drugs,” Dorise said.
He said BRHD will teach people how to use the test strips and Naloxone. And it’ll show the overall procedure for what to do if someone is overdosing.
"We can help those who are suffering from drug addiction get better and get them into treatment. And make sure that we, you know, can save their lives,” he said.
BRHD also hosts drives on the third Monday of every month.