releases: https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/winchester-star-region-hit-overdose-blitz
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/winchester-star-region-hit-overdose-blitz | Winchester Star: Region Hit With Overdose Blitz | 2016-09-30 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | WINCHESTER — Agents with the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force have responded to eight nonlethal overdoses in the city and Frederick County since Monday, according to a Thursday news release. Issued by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, the release states that, while lab results will ultimately determine the narcotics involved in each overdose, investigators believe five of the cases involve heroin. Three were likely synthetic drugs. Task force agents also say the drugs have made their way into the region from Baltimore. Eight overdoses, coalition Executive Director Lauren Cummings said Thursday, is an unusual number to see in the area in a given week, particularly after none had been reported the week prior. The region, comprising Winchester and Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah and Page counties, has likewise seen 21 overdose deaths so far in 2016, Cummings said. An additional 75 people have suffered nonfatal overdoses in that span, also called overdose injuries. In 2015, 30 people in the region died from overdoses; 55 suffered overdose injuries. Cummings said there is no indication that the recent spate of overdoses are linked to heroin laced with an elephant tranquilizer known as carfentanil, which may be responsible for high volumes of overdoses in places such as Huntington, W.Va., where, on Aug. 12, the Associated Press reported that 26 such incidents occurred in a four-hour span and stretched emergency services and first responders to their limits. The coalition is asking the public to take heed of the following behaviors in those around them, which may indicate issues with substance abuse, and seek help: Change in friends Declining grades Lack of motivation, no "drive" Disciplinary issues at school Loss of interest in activities Absences at school or work Selling, pawning, stealing or missing valuables and cash Frequent use of mints, gum, candy or chips to mask breath Hiding items in cars, wallets, hat rims or prescription bottles Avoiding loved ones or providing irrational excuses for absences Increased sensitivity or becoming defensive or detached Anxiety, depression or frequent mood swings Irritability Isolation, or spending long periods in the bathroom, shower or car Changing sleep hours, or napping and falling asleep at odd times Decline in physical appearance and self-care. Sudden onset of or increased cigarette use Increase in speeding tickets or minor accidents Wearing long-sleeve shirts during warm weather (possibly to cover track marks) If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, a comprehensive listing of addiction resources in the Northern Shenandoah Valley can be found at www.roadtorecovery.info. — Contact Christopher Earley at cearley@winchesterstar.com Read the full story at The Winchester Star here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |