Southside experiencing rise in substance abuse amid pandemic
What they found is that substance misuse and mental health increase along with opioid-related hospitalizations and deaths. (Credit: The Associated Press)
HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — The Southside is seeing a rise in substance abuse cases.
The Southside Wellness Coalition received a grant to study a rise in drug abuse. The study allowed them to understand the area, specifically, Halifax County.
What they found is that substance misuse and mental health increase along with opioid-related hospitalizations and deaths.
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They also found that the pandemic hasn't made it easier for people who are raising their grandchildren as parents are having issues with substance abuse.
"The struggles that they faced before have magnified because of the isolation of the coronavirus and not having the support they usually have say by face-to-face," Ann Bishop, the 2021 Chair of the Southside Wellness Coalition, said.
Bishop says they are working to meet and support those struggling through virtual sessions. They hope to increase youth engagement throughout the next year.
