[Archived] Alexandria Community Members, Leaders to ‘Take Action’ on Opioids

For Immediate Release: March 28, 2018

Area leaders and community members will come together to address the ongoing opioid crisis during an Opioid Community Action Planning Meeting on April 9, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at T.C. Williams High School Cafeteria, 3330 King St., Alexandria.

This strategic planning session will address the local impact of the national opioid crisis, which affects all ages, cultural backgrounds, income levels and neighborhoods in Alexandria.

Incidences of opioid addiction, overdoses and deaths have risen dramatically across the nation to levels on par with the peak of the AIDS epidemic. The consequences of opioid misuse and addiction are affecting not only those who are addicted, but also their families, local schools and neighborhoods. 

The Action Planning Meeting is coordinated by the Opioid Work Group, comprised of representatives and partners from various City programs, including Alexandria City Public Schools, Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Sheriff's Office, Department of Community and Human Services, Alexandria Health Department, and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria.

The Work Group takes a multidimensional approach to confronting the crisis by focusing on opioid addiction prevention and treatment, overdose response and recovery, diversion of addicted persons into treatment, and supply reduction and law enforcement strategies.

Individuals interested in attending should RSVP online by April 6.

For more information, visit alexandria.gov/Opioids or email noraine.buttar@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, email  maurice.tomdio@alexandriava.gov or call 571.384.5244, Virginia Relay 711.