On November 21, 2016, State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP declared the Virginia opioid addiction crisis a Public Health Emergency. This declaration comes in response to the growing number of overdoses attributed to opioid use, including Carfentanil, a highly dangerous synthetic opioid. In light of the growing number of overdoses in Virginia, Virginia’s first responders are at risk for exposure of opioids in the line of duty. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) partnered with the University of Kentucky’s Central Appalachian Regional Education and Research Center (CARERC) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to assess the extent of exposure, health effects, and knowledge about protective measures to prevent exposure to opioid drugs among first responders.
In collaboration with the University of Kentucky, NIOSH, and local and regional partners, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has developed a survey instrument to assess the extent of exposure, health effects, and knowledge about protective measures to prevent exposure to opioid drugs. Participation is voluntary and we are hoping to collect all responses by March 1, 2018. The survey shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes and all responses are anonymous.
Opioid Exposure Among Virginia First Responders Survey: https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=HTDCPC3KW7
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