NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia officials and business leaders met Thursday in Norfolk to discuss the opioid crisis and its impact on Hampton Roads' economy.
The Hampton Roads Opioid Working Group included Attorney General Mark Herring, United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander.
"This is something that can happen to anyone," said Herring. "Anyone can find themselves addicted to an opioid if maybe they had an injury, if they’ve had an auto accident."
Eastern District of Virginia United States Attorney Zachary Terwilliger said in order to get in front of the problem, they must address demand for opioids. He said the crisis costs Virginia $7.6 billion per year, including impacts on the workforce.
"What we’re talking about is absenteeism, businesses that aren’t able to operate, employee turnover and the impact that has on individual businesses," said Terwilliger.
Economists from Old Dominion University, business owners and local school board members also participated in the discussion and discussed ideas for businesses to help employees who are addicted.
"Is there a Narcan kit in your office place so if there is an emergency so you would be able to assist in an opioid overdose?" asked Old Dominion University Economist Barbara Blake. "Do you have managers that have been trained to identify the signs of an employee who seems to be working while impaired?"
Virginia has joined a growing number of states suing members of the family that owns Purdue Pharma for their alleged role in the nation's opioid crisis.
Attorney General Mark Herring announced on Sept. 11 that Virginia amended a lawsuit it filed against OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma in 2018 to add allegations that the Sackler family promoted the company's drugs despite knowing they were "dangerous, deadly and addictive."