[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6177655,"mediaKeyId","5335201-f4e748f78da6acf0dfa834fbd8385643","parentId",5335201,"title","VDH and VACP describe free naloxone distribution, eligible agencies and July 1 safe‑reporting updates","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2544000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335201-f4e748f78da6acf0dfa834fbd8385643&start=2544&end=2544","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335201-f4e748f78da6acf0dfa834fbd8385643/thumbnail_2544000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6177655/Virginia/VDH-and-VACP-describe-free-naloxone-distribution-eligible-agencies-and-July-1-safereporting-updates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177655-d7aa3fe5cb92ff3472cfb62409a3b232/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050664&Signature=UpfBRhIttuAp-g8xclpydtginGvmtQNpLQM9-Mhdsoyh5RSgp3~-M18f8SSZbYA87nGEX-HZ6nw~4MIxNnEVBeEzUMDZ3aFprvSSeXM2ER96xqTNXDfmjzI9jBBukDcgVnJTfFbnAUKXKAAYKW~aiNsb0hWLL42mrmxL-KHNcIbo8VhRtvOxDgXecVr09t3lSXSDnhIfXNWUoIkhzoK-orISiVQ6K37XvqRA1c6J5paNUzMUpxwywkwmYtxI1wYijAnYbnlmjYz~bcYJyqASX8CBsk26k6CT0oEGJHzPAqK-J~wCUhnH0uY6ao7cfFvnG9UV2uuc9uJLuno4L8jmUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority","date","2025-06-12T18:53:25Z","article","Stephanie Diaz, representing the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), and other panelists described programs that supply naloxone, training and equipment to eligible agencies and explained recent changes to Virginia’s safe‑reporting and paraphernalia laws.

Diaz summarized the VACP partnership with the Revive program and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and said the first‑responder naloxone program provides free naloxone, carrying cases, wall mounts, fentanyl test strips and training. She listed eligible organization types under the program: law enforcement agencies, jails and correctional facilities, probation and parole, juvenile justice (state and local), emergency communications and dispatch, forestry and state parks law enforcement, fire departments, EMS/rescue squads, and other similarly situated agencies.

On distribution logistics and how to obtain supplies, a VDH commenter in the webinar chat said that individuals may get no‑cost naloxone from community service boards or local health departments, and that organizations such as police departments and sheriff’s offices should contact VDH to inquire about group supplies. The VDH contact provided in the session was opioidreversal@vdh.virginia.gov.

Diaz and the panel also described statutory changes effective July 1 that expand safe‑reporting protections. The presenters said the amendments add reporting related to sexual violence victims to the safe‑reporting provision (so persons seeking emergency care for victims are shielded from arrest/prosecution for certain listed offenses) and extend protections to people whose release or supervision status (bail, probation, parole, supervised release, furlough, etc.) might otherwise be affected. They also said the controlled‑paraphernalia exception that previously excluded fentanyl testing strips has been broadened to exempt all drug‑checking products—used or unused—from the definition of controlled paraphernalia.

Diaz emphasized that the safe‑reporting protections have some limits: a person claiming the protections must remain at the scene (or an alternate specified location), identify themselves when law enforcement arrives, and the exemptions do not cover unrelated offenses, such as illegal weapons or evidence obtained during execution of a lawful search warrant.

Ending

Panelists encouraged agencies that want naloxone kits, training, or related supplies to contact VDH at the session address and to consult the VACP/Revive training calendar for train‑the‑trainer opportunities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","OAA Abatement Academy - June 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Presenters from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and a VDH commenter explained how law enforcement and other public agencies can receive free naloxone and related supplies, listed eligible agency types, and reviewed June/July code updates expanding safe‑reporting protections and paraphernalia exceptions effective July 1.","taxTitle","Opioid Abatement Authority, Boards and Commissions, Executive, Virginia","taxId",80478,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6177658,"State Revive trainers review naloxone use, safety and how to respond to opioid overdose",886,1275000,2161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335201-f4e748f78da6acf0dfa834fbd8385643&start=1275&end=2161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335201-f4e748f78da6acf0dfa834fbd8385643/thumbnail_1275000.jpg","/articles/6177658/Virginia/State-Revive-trainers-review-naloxone-use-safety-and-how-to-respond-to-opioid-overdose","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177658-bdec5476c2e4336abd068aaa7c545af6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050664&Signature=Naq0lNV0JF06dmM9bv1LD~qtwWWVu0IxLVg3C9J9QAQ4U9mMnOOI-l7daI1ro6wkSOik4Gz69Ld4bqAopd~6MhHxXk1l4VtsM8ZcSB8aahBT3~ScVlN3O~vP5ElGzHvJUyOxI4iozotlPlq2Hm~6t9e98pOmQAVWw0nZ3x39E~-V~Y53tf4xaiTh3VTJHq63HncFNcfc9Va8-Z7h4dUvxPF1ELoHKVahoOtfCqiNgM1pYFGo3xsYavBIa4NGUNpA7KH~74pavnKRV6dvw9WSwxwuojhO36coVTg~fDcGD03JVjP4c8CnmQ2cYPYJ1Af8TJJ2O-xSGlREdC-CPdK1uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tianna Vasquez, Revive Education Specialist with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, told the Abatement Academy that Revive training focuses on three objectives: teaching how to identify opioid overdose, how to administer naloxone, and reducing stigma around substance use disorders.

\"Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses,\" Vasquez said, and she explained the two FDA‑approved formulations: intramuscular injection and intranasal spray. The session emphasized the nasal spray as the most widely used lay rescuer option because it is easier to carry and does not require injection.

Vasquez outlined a standard sequence for responding: check responsiveness (sternum rub/tactile stimulation), call 911, place an unresponsive breathing person in the recovery position to protect the airway, provide rescue breaths if not breathing, and administer intranasal naloxone (one firm push into a nostril), then wait 1–3 minutes to assess effect before repeating a dose if needed. She advised that naloxone does not require the person to be breathing to be effective.

On safety and side effects, Vasquez said serious allergic reactions to naloxone are rare; the main expected effect in people dependent on opioids is acute opioid withdrawal (nausea, vomiting, sweating). She noted that naloxone’s duration of action is about 30 to 90 minutes—enough time to allow EMS to arrive—and that the same dose is used for adults and children for intranasal products distributed through Revive training.

Vasquez discussed dosing and availability: the standard intranasal dose given in Revive materials is 4 milligrams; 8‑milligram products are also available and sometimes used in higher‑risk settings, but the presenters said the 4‑mg product is the general distribution item and the one available over the counter. She described access options: no‑cost naloxone at community service boards and local health departments, harm‑reduction providers that distribute kits, and retail pharmacies where naloxone is now available without a prescription. She said cost has dropped from prior prices (previously about $140 for a two‑dose pack) to roughly $40–$50 for two over‑the‑counter doses, and urged people to keep at least one kit at home or on site.

Vasquez repeatedly advised that if a person is responsive and declines naloxone, it generally should not be forced; but she also noted that administering naloxone to someone who turns out not to have an opioid overdose generally does not cause harm.

Ending

Vasquez encouraged attendees to take full Revive training for more detailed instruction and to carry or make naloxone available in workplaces, first‑aid kits and public venues.","Tianna Vasquez of DBHDS summarized the Revive education objectives, step‑by‑step responder actions, naloxone safety and dosing, and distribution options for free and over‑the‑counter naloxone.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6177663,"Virginia presenters say law broadly shields first responders who give naloxone in good faith",1038,184000,1222000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335201-f4e748f78da6acf0dfa834fbd8385643&start=184&end=1222","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335201-f4e748f78da6acf0dfa834fbd8385643/thumbnail_184000.jpg","/articles/6177663/Virginia/Virginia-presenters-say-law-broadly-shields-first-responders-who-give-naloxone-in-good-faith","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177663-0da5442c8fb0fe66c22e7f1854e5aab1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050664&Signature=S7UqZfOrQwjsAshLxJTO8XSNUCT2zd0JJGeXJOeAIYFqJTvlbej5OSsCH~MK1htXxa~TX6nWi43WINruXmBatsndGRSyoY9~RHAJkerlU9hwYwS5T4wAJXNbG400Q9ihyG8Bgtk9ltXNIspJcGL-EZKX9YKoVbFH-hcpIeXF09ugEveItbETLdP4m7wBtmQNOOC63WyqHYjjzS3mnVIpXF3IeJu~FMANf2INmpO7Yng8FaE447DzICj1rZSSrCn~~enA-CvKdJiVCvQx7IXrXVuKlizYaxqGMDploqnlByEYGCmK3~0lX1EjhH3kuu50Nw~9~HqLEeraudjfGkJM3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tim Spencer, Roanoke city attorney and a member of the Opioid Abatement Authority Board of Directors, told attendees that Virginia law provides several layers of civil-immunity protections for police officers and other first responders who administer naloxone in emergencies.

Spencer said the first and strongest protection is the state Good Samaritan statute. He described Virginia Code §8.01-225 as providing broad immunity for \"police officers, first responders, who in good faith\" administer naloxone to someone believed to be experiencing a life‑threatening opioid overdose, and he emphasized that the immunity applies unless the act results from \"gross negligence or willful misconduct.\" \"As long as you're trying to help or aid the individual, you're gonna be found to have acted in good faith,\" Spencer said.

Spencer reviewed federal and state case law the panel cited as illustrative. He said a federal trial court in Harrison v. Prince William County Police Department applied Virginia's Good Samaritan protection to shield individuals providing emergency care without compensation. He also discussed a state appellate matter referred to in the presentation (identified in the session as the \"Stutes\" case), which the speakers said defined \"good faith\" broadly and found that plaintiffs must show bad faith—not merely negligence—to overcome the statutory immunity.

In addition to the statutory Good Samaritan protection, Spencer described two other doctrines that can protect responding employees: derivative sovereign immunity under Virginia common law and qualified immunity in federal civil rights litigation. He said derivative sovereign immunity can shield an employee performing a governmental function from liability for ordinary negligence, but not for gross negligence. He characterized qualified immunity as a separate federal-law protection that applies unless a response violates a clearly established constitutional right.

Speakers repeatedly urged that the protections hinge on acting in an emergency and with appropriate training, and they recommended that agencies maintain approved naloxone training programs. Spencer cited Virginia Code section 9.1-101 in connection with approved training for first responders as a condition for certain statutory protections mentioned earlier in the talk.

The presenters did not identify any recent Virginia decision that removes these protections for typical naloxone administration; however, they cautioned that extreme intentional misconduct would not be protected. Spencer offered an extreme hypothetical—an officer administering naloxone knowing the recipient had told the officer it would be deadly—as an example of conduct likely to be treated as bad faith and not covered by the immunity.

Ending

Panelists directed attendees to take approved training and noted that the legal protections discussed are civil‑law defenses; they did not claim absolute immunity in all circumstances and said factual questions in any particular case could affect outcomes.","Speakers at the Opioid Abatement Authority’s Abatement Academy outlined multiple legal protections—state Good Samaritan statute, derivative sovereign immunity, and federal qualified immunity—that generally shield first responders who administer naloxone in good faith, while noting exceptions for willful misconduct or gross negligence.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

VDH and VACP describe free naloxone distribution, eligible agencies and July 1 safe‑reporting updates

State Revive trainers review naloxone use, safety and how to respond to opioid overdose

Virginia presenters say law broadly shields first responders who give naloxone in good faith