6 Of 12 Alexandria Opioid Overdoses Reported In Last Month Were Youth

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria city officials are warning the public of 12 recent opioid overdoses, half of which involved youth under age 17. None of the overdoses were fatal but are suspected to involve the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

According to a city news release, the 12 recent opioid overdoses were reported from April 1 to May 1. Six of these involved youth under age 17. Many of the overdose victims were revived by first responders with Narcan, which reverses an overdose. So far in 2022, there have been 30 reported overdoses in Alexandria, including two fatal overdoses in January confirmed to involve fentanyl.

The city is also aware of two fatal overdoses of students in Prince William County that happened in April. Fentanyl is suspected to be involved in the fatal overdoses, NBC4 reported.

In the recent Alexandria cases involving youth, the city became aware of a "little blue bill" some youth believed was Percocet. According to the city, illicit drugs like these often is laced with fentanyl, which can be deadly in small amounts.

"Most juvenile cases reported involved either smoking or ingesting a ‘blue pill’ that is being sold as a Percocet pill, said Capt. Monica Lisle, commander of the Criminal Investigations Division at the Alexandria Police Department. "There were two reported overdose deaths of juveniles last week in a neighboring jurisdiction involving this same type of pill, so we are doing all we can to warn youth and other community members of the resources available to combat this epidemic.

The city released an image of a small blue pill that was intended to look like an authentic M30 tablet. The Drug Enforcement Administration warns that counterfeit pills like this can be dangerous because they appear to look like prescription pills but can be lethal. The picture shows burnt tin foil, which is used for the inhalation of the pills.

Alexandria Police are asking for the public's help to speak with youth about the risks of illicit drugs, particularly the "little blue pills."

In situations believed to be life-threatening, residents should call 911.

Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse an opioid overdose, is available at locations in Alexandria and Virginia without a prescription. Residents may receive Narcan for free from the Alexandria Opioid Work Group’s Mail Out program by emailing opioids@alexandriava.gov, or at the Alexandria Health Department (4480 King Street) and most pharmacies in Alexandria.

Narcan will also be available in Alexandria City Public Schools after Alexandria School Board approval Thursday. Under the policy, a school nurse or school staff trained to administer medications would be allowed to administer Narcan in cases of a suspected overdose. The Virginia Department of Health provided the Narcan to Alexandria City Public Schools without cost to the school district.

Residents may seek help for opioid use treatment by calling the city's Opioid Treatment Program intake line at 703-746-3610 or detox services at 703-746-3636. The city's Department of Community and Human Services can be reached at 703-746-3400. For other treatment options, visit samhsa.gov or by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).

Information about the sale of illicit drugs can be directed to the Alexandria Police Department at 703-746-6277.