(WTOP, April 14) Almost 80 percent of drug overdose deaths in Virginia last year were due to opioids, according to the latest numbers from the state’s department of health.
In 2016, there were an estimated 1,420 overdose deaths with 1,133 due to opioids. Out of those opioid deaths, 810 were tied to fentanyl and/or heroin.
According to the numbers, the drug problem has gotten much worse in the state over recent years. In 2012 there were 799 reported deaths -- so the amount of overdose deaths almost doubled in just four years.
In 2013, drug overdose became the state's No. 1 unnatural cause of death. Read more.
Fentanyl, heroin drive Virginia’s rise in fatal drug overdoses
Last Updated: Wednesday July 28, 2021
