Community Feedback Wanted On Opioid Abatement Funds

The Virginia Beach Department of Human Services seeks community input on ways to enhance and provide a range of service options with the Opioid Abatement Funds which have been allocated to the City of Virginia Beach from settlements with prescription opioid manufacturers and distributors.

"The opioid epidemic is still on the rise, which can lead to an uptick in overdoses and deaths in our community," said Aileen L. Smith, director of the Department of Human Services. "The department wants to ensure that we do all that we can to combat this issue and therefore it is important to hear from our fellow residents to gain their thoughts and ideas on how we can best serve our community."

Human Services will host meetings to ensure that residents have an opportunity to have a voice in the planning around the use of these funds. In addition to one large town hall meeting that will be live-streamed, there will be five listening sessions and one virtual opportunity.

Residents are invited to share their thoughts, concerns, and needs regarding the opioid epidemic at any of the following sessions:

• Monday, Aug. 14, 9 a.m. (Districts 2 & 5)
  Kellam High School, 2665 W. Neck Road
  
• Thursday, Aug. 31, 11 a.m.
  Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St.
  Virtual and In-Person: Lunch provided. Limited seating and registration are required.
  Register to attend or watch the live stream at SpeakUpVB.com/opioid-response.
  
• Thursday, Sept. 7, 2 p.m. (Districts 6 & 8)
  Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
  
• Wednesday, Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m. (Districts 4 & 9)
  Williams Farm Recreation Center, 5252 Learning Circle
  
• Monday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m. (Districts 1 & 7)
  Fairfield Elementary School, 5428 Providence Road
  
• Thursday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. (Districts 3 & 10)
  Kempsville High School, 5194 Chief Trail
  
• Wednesday, Sept. 27, 4 p.m.
  Virtual Town Hall: Watch the live stream at SpeakUpVB.com/opioid-response.