In response to the ongoing opioid crisis, the City of Richmond has announced the creation of the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response (OOSUR). This new office will coordinate efforts to address substance use disorders in the community. OOSUR will operate within the Human Services Portfolio under the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
Mayor Danny Avula stated, “The opioid crisis continues to devastate families across Richmond. The launch of this office marks a pivotal step forward in ensuring that our response is not only comprehensive, but rooted in equity, harm reduction, and long-term healing for our residents.”
The office’s functions include coordinating prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives; expanding public education campaigns; supporting harm reduction strategies; and strengthening data collection to inform responses. Anna Jones will lead as the Opioid Response Strategist. Jones brings experience from her previous role as Opioid Outreach Coordinator for Chesterfield County.
“We are committed to meeting this crisis head-on with compassion and urgency,” said Jones. “OOSUR will help ensure that Richmond residents affected by substance use have access to the support, treatment, and dignity they deserve.”
The establishment of OOSUR aligns with Richmond’s commitment to public health and community resilience.
For more information, visit https://www.rva.gov/human-services/opioid-response.
