City of Alexandria Partners with Restaurants to Combat Nationwide Opioid Crisis

Page updated on February 9, 2024 at 1:01 PM
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For Immediate Release: May 24, 2023

As opioid overdoses increase nationwide, the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) are partnering with restaurants to help prevent opioid-related deaths through training on overdose prevention and by offering Naloxone or Narcan training and supplies.  

“It feels really great to connect with the community and spread awareness on the opioid overdose epidemic,” said Alisha Archer, an AHD Environmental Health Outreach Specialist. “The Opioid Response Partner project is a critical step in reducing overdose deaths, eliminating the stigma around addiction and mental health, and addressing the problem head-on in our communities.”

AHD aims to talk about opioids with 100% of restaurants and make Narcan available at 25% of restaurants by the end of 2023. AHD hopes to revisit trainings and refresh Narcan supplies at future inspections.

OPIOID AWARENESS, OVERDOSE PREVENTION, AND NARCAN TRAINING

Narcan is a safe medication delivered as a nasal spray that can save a life by momentarily reversing the effects of an opioid overdose.

AHD regularly works with restaurants to keep staff and patrons safe during routine safety inspections. Through the Opioid Response Partner Project, at the end of each inspection, AHD will offer restaurants the following:

  • Information about the dangers of addiction-related stigma, opioids, and overdose prevention.
  • Step-by-step training on how to safely and effectively administer Narcan.  
  • Supplies of Narcan.  
  • A door decal that reads Opioid Response Partner, for those that complete the training.   

NARCAN AVAILABLE TO ALL

Narcan can be obtained at no charge from the Alexandria Opioid Work Group by emailing opioids@alexandriava.gov or by walking in and requesting support at AHD clinics. Narcan is also available at most pharmacies throughout Alexandria.  

For life-threatening situations, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you or someone you care about needs help, please call 703.746.3400 to speak with staff at DCHS. Additional treatment options can be found at samhsa.gov or by calling 800.662.HELP (4357).  If you have information on the illegal sale of opioids or other drugs, please call the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.6277. 

MEDIA INQUIRIES

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact eve.elliott@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4961, Virginia Relay 711. 
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please call 703.746.3961 or email genevieve.babecki@alexandriava.gov.

This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4637

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About the City of Alexandria
Founded in 1749, the City of Alexandria is a full-service, independent, city in Virginia with a AAA/aaa credit rating and a national reputation for progressive and responsible government. With a fast-paced business environment and walkable neighborhoods, Alexandria is a world-class destination where businesses and nonprofits choose to call home. Alexandria’s ample office space and urban amenities offer room to grow – a value unmatched in the region. Located minutes from the nation’s capital, Alexandria’s old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation are the perfect mix for attracting a diverse community, talented workforce, and enthusiastic visitors.