As a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq, I was heartened last year when Prince William County created a veterans treatment docket. Upon returning to the U.S., many of the men and women that I served with now experience post-traumatic stress and other health problems that may lead to opioid abuse.
Also, as a law enforcement officer, I can share with you that I am not only concerned about veterans, but also the lasting impact of the opioid crisis in our communities. This epidemic has increased our mortality rates and has lead more individuals who suffer from the disease of addiction to commit fraud and other crimes.
As a result, the criminal justice system has had to deal with this crisis head-on and often without the needed resources. One potentially life-saving resource is Naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
With the passage of Medicaid expansion, Virginia now has more flexibility to get the residents the mental healthcare they need, fund programs to prevent use and provide access to drugs like Naloxone. I hope that we will be able to innovate and find creative ways to get this drug not only in the hands of first responders but also to other to individuals who are susceptible to an overdose.
Much like AED defibrillators have shown the ability to save a life during a cardiac arrest, the drug Naloxone should be accessible to prevent an overdose.
Virginia’s physicians have been responding to?this epidemic by co-prescribing Naloxone to individuals who are considered at-risk. Medicaid expansion was a start, but I encourage everyone to vote this year to send leaders to Congress who will increase Medicaid and Medicare funding, so residents can get the care they need.
It is my hope that our Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, will support co-prescription guidelines for life-saving drugs and treatment, so our states have both the resources and flexibility necessary to combat the opioid crisis.
Joshua L. King is a resident of Prince William County and lost to fellow Democrat Jennifer Caroll Foy in the 2017 Democratic Primary Election.
Recent Stories
Are you eyeing 2025 as the year you finally trade your daily commute for days spent traveling, relaxing, or chasing long-postponed dreams? You’re not alone. Many soon-to-be retirees are mapping out a fresh chapter—but hold up. Before you sail into the sunset, there are a few key financial moves you should have on lock.
Below, we’ll look at the top five “must-dos” that can help you retire with confidence—covering everything from making sure you don’t outlive your savings to nailing your Social Security timing. Because let’s face it: Retirement is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a financial pivot, and you want it to be a smooth one.
Travel in the 18th century was an adventure filled with challenges. Roads were rough, weather unpredictable, and inns often crowded and uncomfortable. While a journey that takes an hour by car today might have taken days by horseback, these struggles shaped the lives of colonial Virginians and tell the story of a bygone era.
Prince William County invites you to step back in time and explore preserved portions of the King’s Highway, an essential travel route of the American colonies. This historic path connected Boston to Charleston, serving as a lifeline for trade, communication, and movement during colonial times. Travelers like George Washington braved these routes, often relying on the hospitality of friends or local citizens for lodging—choosing a friendly bed over the shared accommodations of a bustling tavern.
Now, you can follow in their footsteps by visiting sections of the King’s Highway along the Prince William Revolutionary War Trail. Imagine the journeys of those who shaped our nation as you walk these historic routes, marveling at how far we’ve come from the days of muddy ruts and slow travel by carriage or horseback.
Get ready for KidFest, the most exciting event of the year, coming to the Fredericksburg Convention Center on February 8 and 9.
Packed with fun for kids and families, this action-packed weekend features bounce houses, laser tag, fire trucks, summer camp registrations, and so much more. It’s a perfect way to make memories and spend quality time together.
Event hours:
Saturday, February 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, February 9: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tickets include all activities (fees apply for face painting and spin wheel), and children three and under are free.
Looking for a furry companion to brighten your days? Meet Montero, affectionately known as Monty, a sweet and cuddly pup ready to find his forever home!
Monty loves outdoor adventures and enjoys playing with his favorite toys, but what he truly adores is curling up on the couch for quality snuggle time with his humans. He’s a pro on the leash during his daily walks and will happily take snuggle breaks along the way. Bonus: Monty gets along wonderfully with cats, making him an excellent addition to any family with feline friends!
Monty is available for adoption at the Prince William County Animal Shelter, located at 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas,. If you’d like to meet Monty and see if he’s your perfect match, visit the shelter during their operating hours or call 703-792-6465 for more information.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
