This project is a collaboration between VCU’s Center on Society and Health and the Virginia Department of Health.
News
Media Coverage, Press Releases, and Contact Info
In the News
WAVY TV 10: VB opioid overdose ‘spikes’ concerning to addiction recovery community
October 27, 2026
WHRO Public Media: "Virginia’s opioid crisis swept from the mountains to the cities. Hampton Roads sees both problems and progress."
January 27, 2026
Virginia Pilot: "Opioid epidemic costs Virginians billions per year despite declining overdose deaths"
January 11, 2026
Farmville Herald: "Opioid crisis carries a hefty price tag"
November 28, 2025
Axios Richmond: "Richmond area lost over $1B to Virginia's opioid crisis"
November 17, 2025
CBS 6 Local News: "Virginia's opioid crisis cost $5.2 billion in 2023, but recovery investments show promise"
November 14, 2025
WAVY TV 10: “$786 million lost in Hampton Roads due to opioid epidemic in 2023 according to new VCU study"
November 13, 2025
ABC 8 News: “Richmond lost $526 million in opioid economic costs in 2023 — highest in Virginia: VCU database”
November 11, 2025
Axios Richmond: “The opioid epidemic is costing Virginia billions”
January 23, 2024
CBS 6 Local News: “The opioid epidemic's overwhelming financial cost on Virginia families: ‘Stop prioritizing profit over people’”
January 21, 2024
WHSV 3: “VDH, VCU launch opioid cost calculator”
October 28, 2022
ABC 8 News: “Opioid epidemic cost Virginia $3.5 billion in 2020, VDH opioid cost calculator shows”
October 25, 2022
Press Releases and Announcements
Press release: "Expanded opioid care in Virginia contributes to steep drop in overdose deaths and $1.3B in reduced costs"
October 26, 2026
Press release: "Addiction care for pregnant and postpartum women brings experts and lawmakers to VCU event"
October 8, 2026
Press release: "The opioid epidemic in Virginia: 2,000+ saved lives, $5.2B in possible savings"
November 10, 2025
Announcement: “What’s new in the Virginia opioid cost data tool”
November 10, 2025
Contact Information
Media inquiries:
Communications Strategist, VCU School of Public Health, Maggie Christ (christmm@vcu.edu)
Questions about overdose prevention or data: overdose@vdh.virginia.gov
Need help finding care?
If you think someone is overdosing: Call 911 immediately. Learn about the signs of overdose. Virginia law provides anyone who calls 911 or otherwise alerts the authorities in the case of an overdose a "safe harbor" affirmative defense.
If someone you know needs help staying safe in active use and connecting to care: Find harm reduction services near you on VDH’s comprehensive harm reduction (CHR) center map.
If you are looking for evidence-based opioid care options for yourself or someone you care about: Explore your local options through Virginia’s publicly-funded, localized Community Services Boards.
If you need help with emotional distress, loss, or grief: Text, call, or chat 988 from anywhere in Virginia to receive immediate, 24/7, judgment-free support. Access for Deaf/HoH and Spanish speakers.