How to prevent and recognize opioid overdoses ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sharing tips for preventing and recognizing opioid overdoses ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day.

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday, Aug. 31, health officials said an opioid overdose occurs when opioids cause a person's breathing to slow down or stop.

“Opioid overdoses continue to impact families and communities across our region, said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts' Substance Use Disorder Coordinator Jasmine Blue. “Knowing the signs of an overdose, carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it are steps one can take to save a life.”

Those taking prescription opioids are at risk for intentional overdose or death, and you can become addicted regardless of race, gender, income level or social class, officials said.

Despite Virginia seeing a massive decrease in drug overdoses -- a 40% drop in 2024 -- the drug crisis is still ongoing.

Preliminary data from 2024 -- as of June 2025 -- shows there were 1,403 drug overdose deaths among Virginia residents. The City of Richmond experienced a 40% decrease in drug overdose deaths and a 46% decrease in opioid overdose deaths.

Henrico County saw a greater decrease in these numbers -- a 51% decrease in drug overdose deaths and a 54% decrease in opioid overdose deaths, data revealed.

"Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that bind to receptors in your brain or body to reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain," a release from health officials reads.

According to RHHD, common prescription opioid drugs to watch out for are:

• Hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®, Norco®)
• Oxycodone (such as OxyContin®, Percocet®)
• Morphine (such as MS Contin®, Kadian®)

Health officials also said Naloxone quickly reverses an opioid overdose and can quickly restore normal breathing if someone's breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose.

You can get Naloxone at the following Richmond or Henrico locations:

• 8 to 10 a.m. on Mondays at Cary Street Clinic -- 400 E. Cary Street
• 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays at Henrico West Clinic -- 8600 Dixon Powers Drive 
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at Resource Centers

The city has also installed two harm reduction vending machines to combat the opioid crisis, offering 24/7 access to free resources, including Narcan, a life-saving overdose reversal medication and fentanyl test strips.