VDH Drug Overdose Needs Assessment Tool

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) developed a needs assessment tool using drug overdose-related data to help identify which Virginia communities may need extra support from focused drug overdose-related prevention and intervention strategies.

VDH uses the tool, along with other information, to carry out public health programs to reduce the harms connected with drug use, including:

Naloxone distribution to local health districts and community partners. Comprehensive Harm Reduction programs, which are public health services to reduce the negative impact of drug use.

An assessment score for each Virginia locality (counties and independent cities) is compared to the state score. If a locality received a score higher than the state score, it is considered at higher need for drug overdose-related outcomes and substance use. Localities with higher need may require more resources and support for prevention and intervention services.

These data can be used to inform public health action to reduce and prevent drug overdose. This tool does not assess a locality’s capacity or ability to implement drug overdose prevention and intervention strategies. Communities may also want to work with other local data, existing programs and partnerships, and known areas of increased need when deciding on prevention approaches that best fit their communities. No matter the assessment score, drug overdose and substance use affect all communities. Together with local and state partners, VDH's goal is to support all communities in their efforts to reduce the harms connected with drug use as resources allow.

Link to the tool: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/data/need-assessment-tool-for-drug-overdose-and-related-outcomes/