CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — May 7, 2024 marks National Fentanyl Awareness Day across the United States, prompting many local local health districts to take the opportunity to spread awareness.

“All Americans across the U.S., coast to coast, and every community in between have been harmed by fentanyl. Today, we honor the Americans whose lives we lost and call upon all Americans to raise public awareness,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram. “We must also reach more people faster through public awareness and education efforts.”

Community partners and advocacy groups on national, state and local levels are calling on all Americans to shed light on the dangers of fentanyl and the need for public awareness.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 70,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. due to fentanyl occurred in 2023.

The Virginia Department of Health says fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

The department added that it’s important to know the different ways fentanyl can be present — pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by a healthcare provider in a medical setting to treat severe pain, while illicit or illegal made fentanyl is unregulated and often added to other drugs, making them increasingly addictive and dangerous.

Across the Commonwealth, multiple health districts and community partners will be holding training events –such as REVIVE! — surrounding fentanyl awareness.

REVIVE! is a statewide opioid overdose and naloxone education program. Community members who participate will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond using naloxone.

Events being held in the Central Virginia are below:

  • Tuesday, May 7, from noon to 2 p.m. at Lucks Field, located at 143 N. 20th Street in Richmond.
  • From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7 at the Midlothian Library, located at 100 Millworks Crossing in Chesterfield County.
  • Wednesday, May 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Goochland Public Schools’ Wellness Night, held at 3250-A River Road West in Goochland County.
  • From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 during Goochland Cares, held at 2999 River Road W in Goochland County.

For events across Virginia, click here.