Experts discuss how COVID-19 has led to rise in overdoses in the area

NEW RIVER VALLEY, Va. (WSET) -- Monday marked International Overdose Awareness Day.

Local experts say that the coronavirus pandemic is causing overdose numbers to rise in our area.

They say that this increase in numbers is due to a combination of social isolation and less access to resources.

New River Valley Community Services held a zoom event to hear from treatment providers, law enforcement and individuals in recovery to talk about fighting drug addiction and overdose.

“I think people get frustrated seeing people go over and over again with overdose or in and out of treatment but it’s always planting a seed," Erine Cressell, a recovered individual, said. "As long as they get to take another breath that’s another chance.”

Speakers at the Zoom event on Monday night said there is hope moving forward.

Through naloxone and de-stigmatization, NRV Community Services believes they can reduce overdose deaths.