7 Opioid Overdoses Reported Within A Week In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Seven opioid overdoses, one being fatal, happened within the last week in Alexandria, the city reports.

The city is warning about the opioids like heroin, that can be mixed with extremely concentrated substances. Another type of opioid, fentanyl, is more potent than heroin and can be deadly if one inhales or touches just a small amount.

The opioid epidemic has been felt all over the city. Last fall, the city similarly reported six opioid overdoses with one fatality in a week. In 2017, the city had nine fatal overdoses and 50 non-fatal overdoses.

Residents should always immediately call 911 in the case of an overdose. In non-emergency situations, the city offers resources to get help with drug addiction:

• Alexandria Residential Treatment Center: Call 703-746-3636 any hour of the day
• Opioid Treatment Program: Call 703-746-3610.

Officials remind residents those assisting an overdose victim are protected by the Good Samaritan Law. Here are overdose symptoms to be aware of:

• Pale face
• Limp body
• Blueish lips or nails
• Vomiting or gurgling
• Drowsiness or unconsciousness
• Slow breathing or heartbeat
• Muscle spasms

The Alexandria Health Department offers free Narcan, which reverses the fatal effects of an opioid overdose. It's available at the health department's main office 4480 King Street from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 12:45 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Anyone can also obtain it without a prescription at pharmacies.

Anyone with information about past opioid overdoses is asked to call Alexandria Police at 703-746-6277. For more information on the opioid crisis and resources, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Opioids.

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