Data: Virginia Department of Health; Map: Kavya Beheraj/Axios
The Richmond area lost more than $1 billion to the opioid epidemic in 2023, per a new report from VCU and the Virginia Department of Health.
Why it matters: It’s a major chunk of the state’s total opioid-related costs, showing how concentrated the crisis’ toll has been in the region — even as fatal overdoses continue to fall.
The big picture: Researchers talliedthe economic hit to local communities by looking at:
- Lost wages and health care costs from opioid use.
- Government spending to support the children and families affected by the drug crisis.
- And the criminal justice expense from opioid-related arrests and incarcerations.
Between the lines: Families absorb more than half of those costs, but the report found that all Virginians are affected in some way, whether it be through higher health premiums or lost tax revenue…