Drug Test - Richmond, VA

Richmond, Virginia - Drug Testing

Substance abuse statistics for Richmond, VA

Richmond, Virginia: Drug abuse trends

In 2020, about four people in Virginia died from opioid-related overdoses every day. The Richmond area is the center of the overdose epidemic in the state. In other words, more people die of fentanyl-involved overdoses in this city than anywhere else in the state.

The highest death tolls in Virginia are around Richmond and Virginia Beach, and fentanyl overdoses are spiking across the state and country. Since many people don't realize that the drugs they are taking are laced with fentanyl, hospital visits and death tolls are rising. There were 9,901 emergency department visits in 2020, a 33 percent increase from the previous year.

Local initiatives to curb drug abuse in Richmond, VA

Multiple Virginia organizations are focusing on reducing substance abuse in the state. Many organizations have banded together to work on preventing young people from participating in substance abuse. According to the Virginia Office for Substance Abuse Prevention Annual Report, the following organizations spent over $24 million combined on drug prevention efforts for young people:

Reaching individuals from all backgrounds and ethnicities is critical for youth prevention efforts. These organizations work to deliver a message to the entire community of young people and utilize funding to ensure each individual has the opportunity to get the necessary help.

Last updated 8/12/2022