Local events to dispense Naloxone in recognition of International Opioid Awareness Day Aug. 31

The Richmond Opioid Task Force and Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) will recognize International Opioid Awareness Day Aug. 31 with education and Naloxone dispensing events throughout the day.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include fentanyl, heroin, and many prescription pain medications. In 2020, 430 people in the Richmond area (Richmond and Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield counties) died of a drug overdose, with opioids contributing to 90% of those deaths, according to data. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives.

“This is a day for us to remember those who we have lost, educate one another on ways to support loved ones who use substances, and learn how to respond to overdose emergencies,” said Julie Karr, opioid coordinator at RHHD.

Events are scheduled throughout the day to offer Naloxone as well as information on harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. The day will conclude with a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at McShin Foundation, a recovery organization at 2300 Dumbarton Road in Lakeside.

The full list of events:

• Brookland Park (2931 Chamberlayne Ave), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.;
• Neighborhood Resource Center (1519 Williamsburg Rd), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.;
• Deep Run Park (9900 Ridgefield Pkwy), 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
• Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (913 N 1st St), 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.;
• REAL Life and Family Transition Coaches (1111 N 25th St), 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.;
• Daily Planet (517 W Grace St), 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.;
• Monroe Park (620 W Main St), 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.;
• Richmond City Health District (400 E Main St), 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.;
• McShin Foundation (2300 Dumbarton Rd), 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.