Metro Richmond health districts debut opioid ‘spike alert’ system

Hoping to increase awareness about opioid overdoses, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts have partnered with other local health districts to create the Metro Richmond Spike Alert, a system that will notify the general public when spikes in opioid overdoses occur.

A spike may signify the presence of illegal or diverted prescription drugs in the community that are more potent or more likely to cause an overdose, according to officials from the RHHD, so informing citizens who may use them (and their friends and family members) about a recent spike could help prevent injury or death.

Representatives from each locality monitor overdose rates in their area. When a spike is observed, the agencies will issue an alert to those who have signed up by email, and to the broader community through social media. To receive spike alert notifications by email, sign up at http://rhhd.gov/spikealert or follow the health districts on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

“Opioid overdoses is one of the leading public health crises our communities are experiencing,” said Dr. Melissa Viray, acting Ddirector of the RHHD. “Beyond notification so that individuals can be informed and take precautions, we’re hopeful that this will generally bring more awareness of the opioid epidemic.”

Recent increases in overdoses helped prompt creation of the program. There were more than 430 overdose deaths in 2020 throughout Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover – a 40% increase from 2019.

"Many families have experienced tragedy from an opioid overdose that could have been prevented," said Captain Michael Roth, EMS supervisor for the Henrico County Division of Fire. "Spike alerts provide life saving information that can help prevent these immeasurable losses."

The regional effort is important, since the issue isn’t limited by geographical boundaries, officials said.

“This program puts data to use and allows us to help our communities stay safer from overdoses,” says Wayne Harbour, chief operating officer for Richmond Ambulance Authority.  “We’re glad to help collect and analyze this data and to do so in collaboration with our neighboring communities… this is an issue that transcends borders.”

Said Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services Opioid Outreach Coordinator Lauren Herschler: “In addition to providing notification of a spike, the spike alert offers life saving educational information. “We want to make sure folks are informed on overdose spikes in the region, what makes a person more vulnerable to overdose, signs of an overdose, how to respond, and where to access free naloxone.”