In response to a spike in overdose cases, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Use Coalition will hold a series of pop‑ups to distribute free Narcan throughout the region.

The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force is warning the public about what it describes as a recent spike in opioid‑related overdoses.

In 2025, there were three fatal overdoses and 25 non‑fatal overdoses.

Since February 2026, there have already been three fatal incidents—one in Winchester and two in Frederick County—and three non‑fatal incidents, Virginia State Police announced.

Fentanyl is believed to be the cause. The Narcan pop‑up events are an effort to increase community access to life‑saving resources, according to a statement from Matthew Demlein, public relations coordinator for VSP.

Those interested in the Narcan pop‑up events are encouraged to check the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Use Coalition Facebook page.

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