The month of January was tough for the people at Rise Above NRV Harm Reduction as they saw a rise in overdoses across the valley while combating cold temperatures. Adding to their challenges, a different drug is circulating the New River Valley, raising concerns for everyone: purple heroin.

Southwest Virginia still struggles from the affects of the opioid epidemic, but one group in the New River Valley is ensuring to save lives and help the folks fighting addiction.

The Town of Pulaski was one of the hardest hit areas in our region for the opioid epidemic, but now leaders are taking the right steps to get them on the road to recovery.

Opioids have been the driving force behind the large increases in fatal overdoses since 2013.

Now, the agreement’s terms will go to the states for their review, and each state will have until the end of 2022 to join, officials said.