Fatal Opioid Overdoses Increase In The City Of Manassas In 2021: Police

MANASSAS, VA — Opiate overdoses increased in 2021 in the City of Manassas. The city's police department presented their annual report on Monday.

In 2021, 14 people died due to overdoses in the City of Manassas. Fatal overdoses rose by 40 percent since 2020, the police department reported.

The police department recorded 89 heroin or opiate-related overdoses in 2021. It represented a 39 percent increase over 2020's data, according to police.

Across Virginia, communities have seen a rise in overdoses. In 2020, the most recent available data showed 1,478 overdose deaths across the state. Overdoses caused more than 9,900 emergency room visits, the Virginia Department of Health reported.

See also: Manassas Man Sentenced For Selling Counterfeit Pills, Fentanyl

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, can be used to reverse opioid overdoses. "Our officers continue to carry Narcan so we can respond quickly and educate our community on the danger of opiates," Manassas City Police Chief Douglas Keen said.

Residents around Manassas and Prince William County can also carry Narcan to help in an emergency. Last year, Prince William County offered training on overdose reversals and provided free Narcan for residents who completed the hour-long online course.

Officials have not announced any training dates for 2022. Harm reduction organizations like the Chris Atwood Foundation also offer overdose reversal training. Public health officials urge anyone who uses opioids or knows someone who uses opioids to carry Narcan.

See also: Virginia Expected To Get $530M In Opioid Settlement

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline for people who may be struggling with addiction. They can be reached at 1-800-662-4357.