The Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority convened on August 1, 2025, to discuss critical funding renewals and new initiatives aimed at combating the opioid crisis in the state. The meeting highlighted several key projects, focusing on harm reduction, naloxone distribution, and support for opioid use disorder coordinators.

One of the primary topics was the renewal of the comprehensive harm reduction project, which aims to expand the number of harm reduction sites from 10 to 19 by 2028. These sites will provide essential services and linkages to care, ensuring compliance with FDA guidelines and state regulations.

The meeting also addressed the naloxone distribution program, which is entering its third year. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has established portals for individuals to apply for naloxone, including options for no-cost access. This program will continue to receive funding to support contractors facilitating these requests.

Additionally, funding for local opioid use disorder coordinators was discussed. This initiative supports positions in the Richmond Henrico, Hampton Peninsula, and Portsmouth Health Districts, which are among the areas most affected by opioid overdose deaths. The coordinators will streamline resources and services for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.

Another significant renewal is the naloxone purchase program, which has been adjusted from an original request of $1 million to $500,000. This change requires the agency to demonstrate that all other funding sources for naloxone have been utilized before accessing these funds.

The meeting also introduced a pilot project targeting pregnant women and women of childbearing age who use drugs, particularly opioids. This initiative aims to provide resources and support to improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

However, two proposed projects were not recommended for funding due to budget constraints. These included a toolkit for pregnancy and substance use adaptation and an expansion of emergency discharge data collection, which was deemed too broad in scope.

In total, the meeting recommended $3.2 million in funding for various projects under the Virginia Department of Health, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to addressing the opioid crisis through targeted harm reduction and support initiatives. The authority continues to prioritize effective use of resources to combat this public health emergency.