Discussing the Opioid Epidemic in Fairfax County

ANNANDALE--- With news headlines continually covering the opioid epidemic, many wonder how their own neighborhoods are being impacted. On Sunday, May 26, 2019 many gathered to attend a community panel discussion entitled, “Discussing the Opioid Epidemic in Fairfax County and how the Faith Community can Help” hosted by the Annandale Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with Fairfax County Government.

Dr. John Hunsaker began the evening describing addiction disease and the biological ramifications of opioid misuse. He described how some are genetically more at risk of addiction than others. When the body is under the influence of opioid addiction, the brain isn’t able to make normal rational decisions.

Fairfax County Opioid Taskforce Coordinator, Sarah Bolton White, shared statistics of opioid misuse in Fairfax County and what the county has been doing to address the opioid epidemic. Currently, about one in six people in Fairfax County struggle with opioid misuse. For visual effect, Nick Yacoub a panelist from the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, invited at least one audience member per row to stand. He said, “Look around. This is what that statistic looks like.” While community members may not have someone in their home who struggles with opioid misuse, they will most certainly have neighbors who do. While the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths occurs in the 25-34 age group, the Fairfax County Youth Survey data show that 4.6% of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students reported taking painkillers in the last month without a doctor’s order. Many assume opioids are over prescribed; however, the 2016 US National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that roughly 60% of misused opioids are not obtained from a doctor. These drugs are typically given by, bought from, or taken from a friend or relative.

What can we do to help those struggling with addiction? For Yacoub the secret to his recovery was service and love. When he began serving in the community his life became purpose filled. He encouraged people to create a safe place for others to come forward with their struggles. The faith community can be that safe place. “We need to take back Saturday night,” said Yacoub to help others see there is fun without substances. As a peer recovery specialist, Yacoub helps others on their journey of recovery as part of the many resources available through the Community Services. Yacoub encouraged others to join a support group in your church or in your community.

Remarks from Pat Herrity, Fairfax County Disctrict Supervisor, addressed how the faith community can assist civic leaders on this issue, “The tragedy of this epidemic touches every community. But we can have hope in the fact that the faith community also touches every community in our county, which makes them key partners in this fight.” Together with civic leaders, the faith community can assist in promoting awareness.

Among questions and comments from the audience, many wondered what they could do to personally help. Suggestions included, disposing of prescription drugs properly, reducing the stigma associated with addiction, and receiving the county’s REVIVIE! training to learn how to safely administer naloxone to reverse opioid overdoes. Fairfax County District Supervisor Penny Gross suggested, “Don’t let the discussion stop here.” The audience was encouraged to increase dialogue about the opioid epidemic with their neighbors and acquaintances.