Identifying a non-fatal opioid overdose event supports both immediate treatment and prevention of future overdoses. The non-fatal opioid overdose event indicator is a tool designed to notify healthcare providers of known prior non-fatal opioid overdose events at the point of care, helping to identify patients who may need additional follow-up or resources for substance use disorder (SUD).
Events experienced by a patient on or after July 1, 2025, are visible on the Virginia PMP patient report (see image above). Data is collected and reported to the PMP by Virginia Health Information (VHI).
Non-fatal overdose events do not contribute to the unintentional overdose risk score model, known as ORS. The non-fatal opioid overdose indicator should be used in conjunction with the ORS and all other information included in the patient’s PMP report to best care for and support the patient.
Indicator includes intentional and unintentional opioid overdoses and overdoses of unknown intent.
Indicator does not include:
The indicator tile will appear for all patients. If no non-fatal opioid overdose event is matched to the patient, the tile will display a “No history of overdose reported” message.
Non-fatal opioid overdose information is available only to Virginia healthcare providers. Other authorized users of the VA PMP will not have access to the indicator.
The indicator is intended for use by healthcare professionals to improve care coordination and should not be used in any other way.
For more information about the non-fatal opioid overdose tile, contact the Virginia Prescription Monitoring Program at pmp@dhp.virginia.gov or review the OD Insights article created by our PMP vendor, Bamboo Health.
If you believe that a patient has been incorrectly identified as having experienced a non-fatal opioid overdose event, please email the VA PMP directly at pmp@dhp.virginia.gov.
The indicator is intended to aid, not replace, medical decision making. None of the information presented in the non-fatal opioid overdose events indicator should be used as sole justification for providing or withholding care or medications to a patient.
High-quality communication with a healthcare provider is linked to better patient outcomes. Awareness of overdose events and reducing stigma can help clinicians build trust, support treatment discussions, and implement effective interventions1.
Patients with substance use disorders often present with complex needs, and communication gaps can hinder care. Asking permission to discuss opioid use—and explaining its relevance to treatment—can foster trust and engagement1.
The CDC recommends that clinicians offer patients evidence-based medication treatment of OUD (MOUD). MOUD has been associated with reduced risk for overdose and overall mortality2.
Clinical encounters offer a key opportunity for providers to discuss treatment options and risk reduction strategies. Thirty-seven percent of adults with an unmet need for substance use treatment didn’t know how or where to access it according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health3.
إدارة الصحة في ولاية فيرجينيا
Comprehensive Harm Reduction: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/chr/
Naloxone Information: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/naloxone/
قسم الصحة السلوكية والخدمات التنموية في فيرجينيا
Substance Use Disorder Services: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/developmental-services/substance-abuse-services/
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS): https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-providers/benefits-services-for-providers/behavioral-health/addiction-and-recovery-treatment-services/
Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, Inc.
Community service board (CSB)/behavioral health authority (BHA) Directory: https://vacsb.org/csb-bha-directory/
Virginia Harm Reduction Vending Machines
The City of Richmond currently has three harm reduction vending machines in public spaces. These harm reduction vending machines provide naloxone, fentanyl testing strips, and basic personal hygiene items at no cost to residents. The first machines are now operational at Marshall Plaza (900 E. Marshall Street), Southside Plaza (4100 Hull Street), and East End Library (1200 N. 25th Street).
برنامج مراقبة الوصفات الطبية
البريد الإلكتروني pmp@dhp.virginia.gov
آشلي كارتر، المديرة
