News Summary
The Surry County Board of Supervisors has approved a new regional mobile overdose response unit in partnership with Dinwiddie and Prince George counties, as well as Hopewell. This initiative aims to combat the rising opioid crisis by utilizing pooled settlement funds and grants. It will provide immediate support to overdose victims through peer recovery specialists and harm reduction kits while working closely with local law enforcement. Long-term funding and support for this vital program emphasizes the region’s commitment to addressing addiction issues effectively.
Surry County, Virginia – On August 14, the Surry County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to join forces with Dinwiddie and Prince George counties, as well as the city of Hopewell, in launching a regional mobile overdose response unit. This initiative will utilize pooled funds from opioid settlements and grants to combat the ongoing opioid crisis in the region.
The decision to establish the mobile unit marks a significant step in addressing opioid overdose incidents, which have become increasingly prevalent. The supervisors had previously discussed the initiative during meetings held in fall 2024, underscoring the urgency of the regional collaboration.
Prince George County, which has been at the forefront of this initiative, announced on July 1 that it has been awarded $113,981 by the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA). The funding distribution includes $42,157 for Prince George, $41,317 for Hopewell, $23,540 for Dinwiddie, and $6,966 for Surry. These funds are derived from a combination of $60,451.90 in Cooperative Partnership funds and $53,529.10 from matching awards through the OAA’s Individual Distribution and Gold Standard Incentive programs.
Under this agreement, Surry County is set to receive $23,330.20. This amount includes $16,363.80 in direct distribution, $5,573 in Individual Distribution funds, and $1,393.40 in Gold Standard Initiative funds. Importantly, all funding utilized in this initiative will come exclusively from settlement and OAA funds, ensuring that local tax dollars remain untouched.
Mobile Overdose Response Unit Details
Peer recovery specialists for the new mobile unit will be stationed at the Greater Reach Community Services Board, previously known as District 19 CSB. These specialists are tasked with following up within 48 to 72 hours after an overdose call to provide affected individuals with “harm reduction kits.” These kits will include information on available addiction treatment options, emphasizing a proactive approach to aid those in need.
The mobile unit will also work collaboratively with local law enforcement, establishing a referral system to enhance outreach and support for individuals struggling with addiction. The grant for this initiative can be renewed annually for up to five years, providing a sustained effort against overdose incidents over the long term.
Background and Funding Context
Virginia is set to receive over $557 million from multistate settlements with various opioid drug manufacturers and distributors through 2039. Recently, the Virginia Attorney General announced a landmark $7.4 billion settlement deal with Purdue Pharma, which is expected to yield up to $103.8 million for the state of Virginia. Notably, 30% of Virginia’s share from these settlements will be allocated directly to cities and counties based on their population and overdose death rates.
This ongoing initiative follows previous attempts to secure OAA funds, as Surry and Prince George counties previously submitted an application for $1.3 million to establish a crisis receiving center. However, that request was denied, prompting the need for the current mobile response unit focused on immediate support in light of the ongoing opioid crisis.
In addition to local efforts, the Virginia Attorney General is currently suing the federal government over significant cuts to healthcare funding, which have adversely impacted opioid treatment programs in Surry County. Cuts totaling $11 billion in federal health funding have terminated critical support for these vital programs, putting lives at risk. The Surry County Bridge Medical Assisted Treatment program, which received about $350,000 over three years, is under threat, as it previously assisted overdose victims in connecting to long-term recovery services.
Lastly, the Surry County opioid crisis is exacerbated by a reported shortage of Narcan, an essential anti-overdose medication. Emergency officials have indicated that the potency of opioids is increasing, complicating treatment efforts. In response to these challenges, Surry County has appointed an “Opioid Response Director” to more effectively manage and address the ongoing crisis, highlighting the community’s commitment to tackling this pressing issue.
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Additional Resources
- Smithfield Times: Surry Joins Overdose Response Partnership
- WXII12: Surry County EMS Program Impacted by Federal Cuts
- Mt. Airy News: Federal Budget Cuts Strike EMS Opioid Program
- Wikipedia: Opioid Crisis
- WSLS: Virginia Cities with Highest Overdose Rates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid Epidemic
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
