Localities unite to address opioid crisis, offer hope to those battling addiction

The counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico and the city of Richmond launched a website and a yearlong media campaign under the name Opioid Solutions RVA on February 7, 2019 to highlight the dangers of opioid use and to connect those struggling with addiction to information, treatment and resources.

The website — OpioidSolutionsRVA.com — provides a comprehensive, regionally-focused clearinghouse of information about opioids as well as services available for treatment, recovery and prevention. It directs those needing immediate help or recovery support to resources, and it offers practical guidance, for example, on discussing pain-relieving alternatives with a doctor as well as what parents can do if their child is suspected of using drugs.

The website also will highlight special programs and initiatives, such as drug take-back drives and classes on the administration of naloxone, which can be used to revive someone following a suspected opioid overdose. The website is being maintained by the localities and is funded through the Opioid State Targeted Response Grant received by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

“Opioid use and addiction are major problems for the entire RVA region,” said Tyrone E. Nelson, chairman of the Henrico Board of Supervisors. “These powerful drugs are destroying lives and affecting every group and demographic. To reverse these devastating trends, our community must elevate its collective understanding of the crisis and offer hope to those challenged with the disease of addiction.”

A yearlong media campaign for Opioid Solutions RVA is kicking off immediately to raise awareness of the epidemic and to promote OpioidSolutionsRVA.com. The campaign is expected to use a variety of media platforms, including billboards, traditional broadcast and internet radio, social media, television and print. The campaign’s $100,000 cost is being shared by the four localities.

“Our country’s opioid problem has been years in the making, and it won’t be solved overnight,” said Leslie Haley, chair of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors. “Locally, we are committed to action and long-term success. We want to reach everyone — from teens and preteens to adults, parents and seniors. Opioids threaten everyone because they’re not just street drugs, like heroin. They’re often in our medicine cabinets at home and available from doctors by prescription. One of the goals of Opioid Solutions RVA is to create better-informed patients who participate fully in their health care decisions.”

The campaign’s first public service announcement underscores the addictive and potentially deadly nature of opioids and explains that they are often known by other names, including Codeine, Vicodin, Percocet, painkillers and pills. A second announcement offers hope to those struggling with addiction and encourages them to seek help in their recovery. Additional announcements are planned throughout the campaign.

“RVA cares deeply about its residents and knows their health and happiness are essential to our region’s prosperity and success,” Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney said. “By uniting in Opioid Solutions RVA, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Richmond are harnessing their collective talents and resources to save and repair lives.”

Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Richmond have been working both independently and jointly to address the opioid problem for several years. Opioid addiction was declared a public health emergency in Virginia in 2016.

In October 2017, the localities joined forces to present Revive RVA: Regional Solutions to the Opioid Crisis, a daylong summit at the Greater Richmond Convention Center that featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions, panel discussions, a resource fair and naloxone training. The localities continued their collaboration through a work group that includes staff in the areas of human services, public health and communications.

 The number of fatal opioid overdoses continues to rise sharply locally, across Virginia and throughout the United States. In Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Richmond, the combined number of opioid overdose deaths increased from 51 in 2010 to 79 in 2012 before jumping to 108 in 2014, 189 in 2016 and 238 in 2017, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

“Sadly, as our first responders know, opioids now account for more deaths in Virginia than automobile accidents and gun violence,” said W. Canova Peterson, chairman of the Hanover Board of Supervisors. “While many people are fortunate enough to survive an overdose, they’re often burdened with a life-crippling addiction. As a community and a region, we can and must do better. Opioid Solutions RVA represents a bold, collective step to truly make a difference for our community.”

Members of the greater Richmond region are encouraged to participate in a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey to help identify where and how to improve the health and well-being of our collective communities.

Local public health departments and health systems are working together to conduct the Community Health Needs Assessment. The goal is to collect opinions from a variety of people, including residents, community leaders, businesses and policy-makers. Participant feedback will help shape the future work of local health organizations and determine the types of resources and services that may be available in our communities.

The survey can be completed by visiting the Richmond City Health District website at rchd.com. It is available in English and Spanish.

For additional information, send an email to the Richmond City Health District at george.jones@vdh.virginia.gov.

"Mayor Stoney accepts award that grants Greater Richmond Fit4Kids $120,000 for “Eat Smart, Move More RVA”  

Click here to see the video.

On Thursday, January 24, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) announced Richmond as the 20191st place medium-sized city winner in the Childhood Obesity Prevention Program, sponsored by the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America. Mayor Levar Stoney, in partnership with the non-profit Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, received the award at the USCM annual conference.

“A healthy body fuels a healthy mind, which is why I want all kids in Richmond to eat smart and move more,” said Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “Heart disease runs in my family, so this is personal to me. The unique programming Fit4Kids delivers to students sets the standard for wellness and we’re proud to partner with them.”

“We believe that active, well-nourished children learn more at school and have greater self-esteem,” said Mary Dunne, CEO of Fit4Kids. “Eat Smart Move more is about building brighter futures for kids. And Fit4Kids is honored to partner with Mayor Stoney to have a positive impact on thousands of Richmond children.”

The $120,000 grant awarded to Greater Richmond Fit4Kids will be used to support “Eat Smart, Move More RVA,” an initiative to raise the profile of physical activity and healthy eating for students in Richmond. Specifically, the program will encourage students to:

    •    Eat smart in the cafeteria with the Mayor’s Fruit and Veggie Challenge where more than 35,000 fruit and veggie samples will be distributed during one week in Fall 2019.
    •    Eat smart in the Learning Gardens: More than 500 students will get their hands dirty in the Fit4Kids Learning Gardens where they will plant, nurture, harvest and taste fresh vegetables.
    •    Move more with the Mayor's Cup and Kids Run RVA (led by Sports Backers): Hundreds of Richmond students will participate in Kids Run RVA Clubs and receive complimentary entry to the Virginia529 Kids Run one-mile race. The school with the highest percentage of students participating in the race will be awarded a large trophy (the "Mayor's Cup") and a pep rally with Mayor Stoney.
    •    Move more during recess: All 22 Title I Richmond Elementary Schools will be provided with recess kits to promote physical activity
    •    Move more in the classroom: Fit4Kids successful Wellness Integration program will serve Chimborazo Elementary School for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years reaching 400 students.

Background:

Greater Richmond Fit4Kids is a regional non-profit that improves children’s health and wellness through physical activity and healthy eating Fit4Kids has received awards including: 2017 Partner of the Year from Chesterfield County Public Schools and the Active RVA Changemaker Award in 2015. Launched in 2010 as the first regional organization focused exclusively on preventing childhood obesity, Fit4Kids began school-based programming in 2012 at five elementary schools. Since then, Fit4Kids has expanded to serve 43 local schools and reaches 10,000 students annually. For more information, visit grfit4kids.org

For more information on Fit4Kids, contact Mary Dunne Stewart, CEO (804) 307-9161 or mary@grfit4kids.org.

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I congratulate Dr. Cynthia Newbille on her election to Richmond City Council President. Dr. Newbille’s years of experience, steady hand and dedicated, compassionate public service will provide the thoughtful, progressive leadership necessary to meet the challenges facing our city and keep it moving forward in an efficient and positive direction.

On behalf of the City of Richmond, I would also like to thank Councilman Chris Hilbert for his tireless efforts over the last two years of service as council president. Councilman Hilbert’s leadership on important issues such as the biennial budget and our $150 million investment in new school facilities last year underscore his unwavering commitment to this great city.

My administration looks forward to working with President Newbille, Vice President Hilbert and all members of council over the next two years in our ongoing efforts to build and maintain One Richmond – an inclusive and competitive city that delivers the brighter future our residents and our children deserve.