05/21/2026
**Important Safety Notice **
Over the past few years, our community has seen a phenomenal decrease in overdose fatalities. But right now, we are experiencing an uptick.
Between February and April 2026, our community tragically lost three neighbors to overdose fatalities. To put this into perspective, three fatalities were reported in all of 2025.
We reached last year's total in just a three-month span.
Please take a moment to read the attached media release from the Northwest Regional Drug and Gang Task Force. Any uptick in fatalities warrants awareness and a call to get lifesaving information and resources into our communities.
It is believed that this recent uptick is linked to stimulants, such as co***ne and methamphetamine, being secretly mixed or cut with lethal doses of fentanyl. If a substance is contaminated with even a small amount of a fentanyl, the results can be life-threatening.
The presence of synthetic additives in various substances has become a significant public health concern. Many substances found on the streets are now frequently mixed or "cut" with potent synthetic opioids without the user's knowledge which significantly increases the risk of accidental overdose. Individuals who do not regularly use opioids have no physical tolerance to them.
A new potential threat, Cyclorphine: While we have no official reports of Cyclorphine in our immediate area yet, we must be proactive and prepared before it arrives. Cyclorphine is estimated to be up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl. Because it is so powerful, an overdose involving this substance frequently requires multiple doses of Narcan to reverse. Further, it may not be detected by standard testing strips.
It is encouraged that everyone, regardless of their personal habits, considers carrying Naloxone (Narcan). Being prepared means having the ability to potentially save a life if an emergency occurs.
In response to this uptick, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Use Coalition will be hosting several popup events throughout our communities over the next few weeks. Free Naloxone and training on how to respond to an overdose are available at these upcoming events.
Our first event:
Tuesday, May 26th
Our Health Campus (329 N. Cameron St., Wi******er, VA 22601)
10am – 2pm
**Please follow this page for future pop-up dates and locations as they are announced.**
If you can’t make it to our first popup, send us a direct message via our page for access to Naloxone.
If an overdose is suspected (signs include shallow breathing, blue or gray-toned skin, or unresponsiveness), please CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. The Good Samaritan Law provides certain legal protections for those who seek emergency medical assistance in such situations.
DO NOT LEAVE SOMEONE ALONE WHO IS EXPERIENCING SIGNS OF AN OVERDOSE!
Any uptick in overdose fatalities is too many. While we have made significant progress in our fight, we must remain vigilant. Please share this post to spread awareness and help us protect our community. The loss of even a single additional life is unacceptable and preventable.
We have been in this together and we will remain in this….together!!
