Since July 24, the city has responded to nine substance-related, non-fatal drug overdoses. While the incidents were unrelated, the City of Alexandria said in a press release its part of an alarming trend emerging.
“While each incident was unrelated, and no definite trend has emerged, City officials are concerned that individual and collective stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic may be linked to increased substance use,” the city said in a press release. “City officials urge residents to be aware of the medical risks associated with the use of opioids and illegal substances that could be extremely concentrated, or mixed with something unusual that could result in life-threatening situations.”
There are nationwide concerns that the pandemic could be adversely affecting efforts to curb the opioid epidemic. In neighboring Arlington, five deaths this month are being investigated as possible drug-related overdoses.
“Based on preliminary investigations, police suspect the deaths are linked to heroin and prescription painkillers mixed with fentanyl (a synthetic opioid),” the city said in the release, “and urged those who may be affected by addiction or opioid use to take steps to protect themselves and others.”
The city noted that properly administering Naloxone, also known as Narcan, could save someone experiencing an opioid overdose.
“It is available without a prescription at all pharmacies, and can be obtained for free at the Alexandria Health Department main office (4480 King St.),” the city said. “People wishing to obtain the drug from the Health Department must first call 703.746.4888 to make an appointment so staff can take appropriate safety precautions. If there is no answer, leave a message and you will receive a return call. Free Narcan may also be obtained by appointment through the City’s Opioid Response Coordinator. Call 703.746.3326 and leave a message with your contact information.”
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If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.
If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
