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Hanover County, Virginia, is taking a significant step toward combating the opioid crisis with the launch of a new "Narcan by Mail" program aimed at increasing access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. As of January 2025, residents of Hanover County, aged 18 and older, can order naloxone online and have it delivered directly to their homes by mail. This initiative, announced by local leaders on December 17, 2024, aims to make naloxone more accessible to those who need it most.
Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, is a medication that can save lives in emergency situations by reversing opioid overdoses. With opioid-related deaths on the rise, making naloxone easily available has become a priority for public health officials. According to WRIC ABC news, Ivy Sager, the executive director of the Hanover County Community Services Board, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, "One overdose death is one too many." She explained that the goal is to make naloxone as accessible as possible, giving residents an opportunity to continue important conversations about treatment and recovery while addressing the growing overdose crisis.
To participate in the program, residents can fill out an online form on the health district’s website. Orders are processed every Tuesday, and within a few days, naloxone will be mailed directly to those who requested it. The program is a collaboration between the Hanover County Community Services Board, the Chickahominy Health District, and the Hanover Opioid Task Force. Together, these organizations aim to reduce opioid overdose fatalities and increase the overall safety of the community.
One of the key benefits of this mail-in program is its ability to reduce stigma around seeking help for addiction. Traditionally, obtaining naloxone required individuals to visit health departments or pharmacies, which could be intimidating or costly. The "Narcan by Mail" program removes these barriers, allowing individuals to access naloxone discreetly and conveniently. Sager highlighted that the program would also alleviate financial concerns, making it easier for people to get the help they need without worrying about the cost.
The program has already garnered interest, with 125 orders received ahead of the official launch. Leaders expect the number of orders to grow substantially, and Sager hopes that by expanding access to naloxone, the program will play a pivotal role in reducing fatal overdoses in Hanover County and beyond. "We need to make sure that they have the opportunity to be supported in treatment and recovery," she said, stressing the importance of reducing lethal overdoses and providing resources for people struggling with addiction.
This new initiative is part of a larger effort to tackle the opioid epidemic and provide more support for those affected by it. By making naloxone more accessible and reducing the stigma around drug use and addiction, Hanover County is setting an important example for other communities grappling with similar challenges. The launch of the "Narcan by Mail" program is a significant step forward in saving lives and supporting recovery efforts across the region.
If you or your loved one are struggling with substance abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery before it's too late. Our staff are experts in addiction, and will help you recover with dignity and respect. We have helped over 30,000 people beat their addictions and we can help you too. Contact us today to begin your journey to the sober future you deserve.