Virginia has been severely impacted by opioid abuse, particularly the abuse of prescription drugs. In 2013, 386 individuals died from the abuse of FHMO, an increase of 1,578%, with fentanyl being the primary substance fueling this increase. In 2013, drug-related deaths happened at a higher per capita level (11.0 deaths per 100,000) than motor vehicle crashes (10.1 per 100,000).
REVIVE! is the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (ONE) program for the Commonwealth of Virginia. REVIVE! provides training to professionals, stakeholders, and others on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency with the administration of naloxone (Narcan ®).
At Head for the Hills, Dr. Hughes Melton provided an overview of the REVIVE! program. This allowed the participants to:
- Understand the REVIVE! program, including lay administration of naloxone, protection from civil liability, and the safe reporting of overdoses law
- Understand how opioid overdose emergencies happen and how to recognize them
- Understand how naloxone works
- Identify risk factors that may make someone more susceptible to an opioid overdose emergency
- Dispel common myths about how to reverse an opioid overdose
- Learn how to respond to an opioid overdose emergency with the administration of naloxone
Additional information about REVIVE! and opioid abuse in Virginia can be found on the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services website.
Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium 