April 14, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, [email protected]
Cumberland Plateau Health District
Offers Community Opioid Overdose Prevention Training
LEBANON, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District is advising the public that substances laced with fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives have been reported in the area. These substances can be potentially fatal to people who use them.
To help community members prevent fatal opioid overdoses, Cumberland Plateau Health District in partnership with Cumberland Mountain Community Services Board, and the Appalachian Substance Abuse Coalition (ASAC) will host several local events to distribute free naloxone. Naloxone (also known as Narcan®,) is a fast-acting, safe and easy-to-administer nasal spray that can restore breathing and reduce potentially fatal effects of opioid overdoses. Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. A family member, bystander, first responder, or medical provider can administer naloxone to save lives. As a reminder, if you come across someone who has overdosed, you should call 911.
“Opioid overdoses are increasing throughout the country as well as in our own region and we want to help keep our communities safe. A person who has overdosed is unresponsive and unable to self-administer an antidote,” said Daniel Hunsucker, population health coordinator, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “These events give family members, friends and community members the training and tools to recognize and respond to an overdose to help save lives.”
Free naloxone training and distribution events are open to the public and are available on a walk-in basis. No pre-registration is required. Individuals who attend will learn how to use naloxone and will receive a free box containing two doses. Cumberland Plateau Health District does not ask for identification when distributing naloxone.
Naloxone Training Schedule:
- Tuesday, April 14
- Roger Jessee Food Bank, Castlewood; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 15
- Rescue/Community Center Parking Lot Dante Rescue; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, April 19
- Mendota Health Fair, Mendota; 9 a.m.
“Many families have been touched in some way by the opioid epidemic,” said Daniel Hunsucker. “Getting trained and carrying naloxone is a great way for communities to get involved. Everyone is encouraged to get trained at these events and take advantage of the no-cost naloxone while it is available.”
For more information about opioids, visit www.CDC.gov/opioids. For more information about how to get free Narcan®, call your local health department.
Cumberland Plateau Health District:
- Buchanan County 276-935-4591
- Dickenson County 276-926-4979
- Russell County 276-889-7621
- Tazewell County 276-988-5585