In 2016, Virginia’s Health Commissioner declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in Virginia. Recent events and preliminary data indicate that substance use prevention and mental health promotion is even more critical than ever as our communities and families face new challenges in the unfamiliar territory brought on by this uncertain time in U. S. history. Coalitions have been called upon like never before to step in and bridge the gaps in behavioral health and wellness services and access to resources across communities while our healthcare systems face the burden of the pandemic. In order to be effective in meeting the rising needs of our residents, the Prevention Coalition of Greater Prince William has gathered concerned citizens, leaders and stakeholders in the community to assess the shifting needs of our community and build comprehensive solutions to those needs utilizing our diverse network and open platform, unique to coalitions.

Virginia Department of Health: State Report

In January of 2024, the Virginia Department of Health released their Quarterly Report on Fatal Drug Overdoses in Virginia. Preliminary numbers from Quarter 3 (July 1^st – September31^st) of 2023 suggest an increase in fatal overdoses since the beginning of the COVID-19 national shutdown and indicated that 2022 maybe be the worst year on record by far for fatal overdoses in Virginia.

Virginia Department of Health: Prince William Health District Opioids Needs Assessment (2024)

There were 454 opioid-use disorder (OUD) deaths in the Greater Prince William Region from 2018-2023, with the highest spike in deaths in the second quarters of 2020 and 2021.

• The number of nonfatal opioid-related overdoses has more than doubled since 2017, with over 300 per year since 2020.
• White males ages 24 to 45 still make up the burden of the nonfatal overdoses, overdose trends have steadily dropped since 2021. In contrast, overdoses are increasing among the 20 to 24 age group, adolescent females, and Black and Latino adults. From 2017 to 2023, 500% Hispanic increase, 237% Black increase, and 106% white increase.
• The heaviest burden of nonfatal opioid overdoses is in the central and east ends of the Greater Prince William region, with the greatest need for resources in the 20111, 20193, and 20191 zip codes.
• While overdoses decreased in 2023 for most age groups, there was an increase in opioid-related overdoses among those ages 0-10 years and 45-64 years.
• Learn More About the Prince William Health District’s Opioid Needs Assessment.

Greater Prince William Area Community Needs Assessment (2016)

• Substance Use/Abuse and Mental Health Conditions was one of the top three health needs identified by the Coalition of Greater Prince William in their Community Health needs assessment.

• The rate of alcohol- impaired driving deaths in Manassas Park City is more than 3 times the other jurisdictions and greater than the state average.

• Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park City had an excessive drinking percentage per 100,000 residents greater than the state average (2014).

Related Local Data

• There are 33 active gangs in the Greater Prince William Area made of approximately 900 members, and creating 10-15% of crime (Gang Response Intervention Team).

• A normal summer month sees the referral of approximately 65 – 100 potential child exploitation cases reported on the National Center for Missing Children (NCMEC) hotline. During COVID, this referral rate has increased to 250 – 400 case referrals (Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce).