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The latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that drug overdose deaths continue their upward trajectory with little relief in sight. But the Lynchburg Police Department, with the help of the Lynchburg Police Foundation, is taking steps to reduce this curve locally.
In 2016, the CDC estimates that at least 66,000 Americans died following a drug overdose, with 65% of those deaths involving an opioid such as fentanyl. The numbers of deaths are pushed higher because of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, an artificial opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin – a "normal" opioid. The annual number of drug overdose deaths is now three times higher than that of 1999. And today drugs kill more Americans than vehicle crashes or guns; among Americans under 50, drugs are the leading cause of death
In Virginia, the CDC reported 1,405 drug-related deaths in 2016, more than firearm deaths (1,049) and homicides (455). The death rate per 100,000 Virginians was 16.7 – below the US rate of 19.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2016 – but up 149% from 2006 to 2016. The Virginia data are not as bad as Ohio and Pennsylvania. During the same period, opioid death rates increased by more than 400 per cent each over the same ten-year period, the Commonwealth and the security forces have a crisis in their hands [19659003] bring back a victim of overdose from the brink of death: naloxone. The nasal spray, if administered quickly enough, can revive an OD sufferer with only severe headaches and chest pain among the minor side effects.
But this is not expensive, even under the generic brand. Police, firefighters and emergency medical services across the country have begun equipping their staffs with two-dose kits as the last line of defense against opioids. And this is not just to save the life of a victim of overdose: Last year, three Virginia Beach police officers were accidentally exposed to fentanyl at work
According to the Lynchburg Police Department, the cost of equipment each would be $ 17,400 a year. The ministry included it in the proposed municipal budget for 2018-2019, but it was reduced as City Council reduced expenditures.
This is where the Lynchburg Police Foundation comes into play. Founded in the 1990s, non-profit law enforcement did not have the highest public profiles. The Foundation's President, Paul Whitten, wants to change that by launching a public campaign to raise the funds needed to cover the costs of naloxone for this year.
The foundation has set a goal of $ 50,000 to purchase kits and provide other training. services for the LPD. They will go to local businesses and residents for donations. You can learn more about the foundation and, if you wish, donate through the nonprofit website, LynchburgPoliceFoundation.org. Help the department serve and protect our city.
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