Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship (OPMOS)
A Message from the OPMOS Founding Director
Dania Cyd Chastain, PhD
Founding Director of OPMOS
Clinical Psychologist
Anesthesiology Pain Management
The opioid crisis has changed the way we study, evaluate, and treat patients. I founded The University of Virginia Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship (OPMOS) to establish and foster interdisciplinary, collaborative educational initiatives within UVA and in partnership with our local community. We offer individualized education for healthcare providers and nonprofits, for patients and families, and for students and parents. Our focus is on:
- Communication—between doctors and patients, within institutions, within families, and with community supports
- Treatment—research-based best practices for opioid prescribing, sparing, tapering, weaning, and opioid use disorder
- Collaboration—with other research hospitals, community healthcare organizations, local educators, and providers across specialties (including anesthesiology, EMS, nursing, oncology, orthopedics, pain medicine, pediatrics, pharmacy, psychology, oral surgery, palliative care, social work, and surgery)
- Safety—patient and provider protocols, drug disposal drop-boxes, and education on medication safety and responsibility at home
- Empowerment—foundations for provider-patient communication, the role of pain management, and harm reduction strategies
We are a resource for you, and for your patients. Let us know if you are interested in an educational program to meet the needs of your practice or organization. Get involved—tell us what you’re seeing, tell us what you need at OPMOS@uvahealth.org or reach us by phone in the UVA Department of Anesthesiology at (434) 924-2283. Please see the following sections below “About OPMOS,” “Continuing Medical Education,” and “Community Education” to learn more. I look forward to hearing from you,
Dr. Dania Chastain, PhD
Founding Director of OPMOS
About OPMOS
At OPMOS, we educate, empower, and connect patients, families, healthcare providers and community stakeholders.
Educate
- Innovative educational programs for healthcare providers, patients, and families in Charlottesville and beyond
- CME curriculum
- Programming designed for your organization/practice/school
- Virtual, nationwide lectures and forums
- Scientific articles and research
Empower
- Strategies and support for both patients and providers to enable open and effective communication.
- Free, accessible information for patients and families
- Link both patients and providers to state and local healthcare groups, harm-reduction services, and nonprofits
- Address disparities in pain management
Connect
- Partner with UVA’s Pain Management Division, and UVA’s Perioperative Medicine Division
- Collaborate with other research hospitals
- Member of the (Region Ten) Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition
Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship (OPMOS) Advisory Board
University of Virginia (UVA):
Lynn Kohan, MD
UVA Department of Anesthesiology, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine; Medical Director, Fellowship Director, Chronic Pain Fellowship
Lrk9g@uvahealth.org
Dania Cyd Chastain, PhD
UVA Department of Anesthesiology/Division of Pain Medicine; Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology,
Founding Director, Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship
Dcc6w@uvahealth.org
Leslie Blackhall, MD
UVA Division of Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care; Director of Palliative Care
Lb9x@uvahealth.org
Jeff Elias, MD
UVA Department of Neurosurgery; Director of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
Wje4r@uvahealth.org
Leisa Gonnella, MD
UVA Director of Administration, Department of Anesthesiology
Ltg4a@uvahealth.org
Traci Hedricks, MD
UVA Department of Surgery
Th8q@uvahealth.org
Leon Henry, MSW, LCSW
UVA Clinical Supervisor of Department of Social Work; Private Practice-Virginia Family Therapy
Lh9NE@hsmail.uvahealth.org
Lori Urban, PsyD
UVA Department of Anesthesiology, Assistant Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology, Clinical Health Psychologist
Lau96@uvahealth.org
Andrew Whitman, PharmD, BCOP,
UVA Health, Department of Pharmacy Services: Lead Clinical Pharmacist – Hematology/Oncology; Residency; Program Director – PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy
Amw6az@uvahealth.org
Robin Hamill-Ruth, MD
UVA Pain Center, Director Emeritus
rhamillruth@gmail.com
Priyanka Singla, MD
UVA Department of Anesthesiology/Division of Pain Medicine, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
Ps7EY@uvahealth.org
Bhavana Yalamuru, MBBS
UVA Department of Anesthesiology/Division of Pain Medicine; Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
By2g@uvahealth.org
Xiaoying (Amy) Zhu, MD
UVA Department of Anesthesiology/Division of Pain Medicine, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
X26b@uvahealth.org
Ann Marie Smith, MEd, MDiv
UVA Emily Couric Cancer, Center Chaplaincy Services and Pastoral Education, Adult Oncology
ams5av@virginia.edu
Wendy Carlton
UVA Department of Anesthesiology/Division of Pain Medicine; Executive Editor, Program Director, Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship
Wlc4a@uvahealth.org
Steve Morton, RN
UVA Acute Pain Service, Nurse Coordinator
Spm4w@uvahealth.org
Christian Renwick
UVA School of Medicine, Class of 2024
Cmr4b@uvahealth.org
Other Academic Institutions:
Marie Hanna, MD, MEHP
Johns Hopkins University, Associate Professor Anesthesia and Critical Care; Division Chief, Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management;
Medical Director, Perioperative Pain Program
Mhanna9@jhmi.edu
Jessica Strasburg, MD
Cleveland Clinic, Department of Family Medicine and Women’s Health; Pelvic Pain Specialist
strasbj@ccf.org
Charlottesville/Albemarle Community:
Sarah Knight, MD
Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville
sarahesvk@gmail.com
Nathaniel D. Tricker, DDS
Section Chief, Sentara MJH Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Dentistry; Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Diplomate, American Dental Society of Dental Anesthesia
nate.tricker@gmail.com
Jeffrey Katra, DO, MA
Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship UVA, Behavioral Health and Cannabis Medicine, Health and Wellness Medical Services Charlottesville
jeff.katra@gmail.com
Amanda Sovik-Johnston, PhD
Adolescent Psychologist, Virginia Family Therapy
a.sovik.johnston@gmail.com
Rebecca Kendall, MSW
Region Ten Community Services Board; Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition Director
Rebecca.kendall@regionten.org
Virginia Leavell
Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, Chief
vleavell@rescue1.org
Resources
We have an outpatient Pain Management Center, and inpatient Acute Pain and Regional programs. If you are coming in for surgery or have a patient that is entering our perioperative process, our pain services’ practice will work with you before, during, and after to help you have the least amount of discomfort in the safest way possible. If you need longer term rehabilitation, or have a chronic condition, we will make an individualized plan that could include, safe and shorter-term opioid treatment, non-opioid medication, mind-body techniques, opioid weaning or titration, physical therapy, interventional pain management procedures such as nerve blocks, and surgical options.
All across the Anesthesiology Department, pain treatment with opioids is never a solo intervention. Since pain is all encompassing, to successfully manage your pain we need to look at its impact on all aspects of your life. Whether you have a history of opioid use disorder (OUD), or this is the first time you have needed pain medication, we provide a safe, non- judgmental environment. When you are assessed by our team, we will listen, answer your questions, address your concerns, and explain in practical terms your treatment and follow-up options. We are an interdisciplinary team dedicated to not being part of the problem—and dedicated to being part of the solution.
More Information
Of course, you cannot talk about pain without talking about opioids. Here in Virginia, we lost over 2,200 people to opioids in 2021. (VDH) Heroin and fentanyl (a dangerously powerful synthetic opioid), have overtaken pain medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine as the biggest killers.
These numbers are all people. The greatest percentage of them are between the ages of 35 and 44—people in the prime of their lives. They are Black, White, LatinX, Asian, and Native American. They are men, women, and trans people. They come from all socio-economic backgrounds. They are high-school dropouts and Ph.Ds. They are our friends, neighbors, and family members. And they are why we started this work at UVA.
At the heart of this public health crisis lies the fact that 4 out of 5 pharmacy-filled prescriptions are opioids (NCDAS). In 2021, more than 107,000 people in the U.S. died of a drug overdose—the most overdose deaths ever recorded in a single year. And 76% of those deaths were from opioids. People abuse prescription opioids specifically, or 95%.
Among people who abuse any prescription painkiller, 95% of them abuse opioids. No matter who you are, or what your situation with pain or pain medication is, our doors and our hearts are open to you.
For more information, please reach out to either of us at OPMOS@uvahealth.org or by phone in the UVA Department of Anesthesiology at (434) 924-2283. We look forward to hearing from you.
Dania Cyd Chastain, PhD
UVA Department of Anesthesiology/Division of Pain Medicine; Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology,
Founding Director, Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship
Wendy Carlton
UVA Department of Anesthesiology/Division of Pain Medicine; Executive Editor, Program Director, Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship
Continuing Medical Education
Navigating Complex Pain Management Issues
This three-part series for UVA School of Medicine Alumni was underwritten by the Department of Anesthesiology and available at no cost to the public. It was offered from September 2025 through January 2026. Although the period to claim CME credit has ended, these programs will be cataloged by OPMOS and become available as enduring material. Check back for availability.
We have begun to see a decline in opioid overdose deaths. Public health measures including education, Buprenorphine treatment, availability of Narcan, and ACA coverage of treatment are making a real impact. But most physicians are still not trained to treat OUD, and in the context of pain medicine this remains a crucial gap. Our series offers expert guidance: from addressing the mental health of patients, to medical management and newer pain interventions, this series will help providers fill that gap.
Let us know if you are interested in an educational program to meet the needs of your practice or organization. Get involved—tell us what you’re seeing, tell us what you need at OPMOS@uvahealth.org or reach us by phone in the UVA Department of Anesthesiology at (434) 924-2283.
Part 1: Managing Chronic Pain in Patients with Chronic Opioid Disorders: Integrating Care and Communication
Friday, September 26, 2025, Pinn Hall Auditorium UVA
Dr. Dr. Lynn Kohan, Professor of Anesthesiology, Medical Director of the Pain Management Center, and Director for the Pain Fellowship program at UVA.
Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Director, UVA Dept of Anesthesiology Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship (OPMOS)
Dr. Chastain addressed the impact of OUD and mental health issues for patients with chronic pain. She discussed ways to enhance sensitive communication, including harm reduction strategies with patients at risk for opioid abuse.
Dr. Kohan examined the clinical implications of prolonged opioid use in treatment for chronic pain patients, and issues frequently associated with long-term opioid therapy. She explained treatment options, including use of Buprenorphine for medical management.
Part 2: Leading Edge Medical and Surgical Options in Pain Management
Thursday, November 13, 2025, Virtual
Dr. Matt Holland, UVA Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
Dr. Holland included a review of the indications and an overview of some of the newer interventional pain management options including Sprint peripheral stimulation, Basivertebral nerve ablation, spinal tumor ablation, and Minimally Invasive Decompression.
Part 3: New Realities of Opioids: Prescribing Buprenorphine, Understanding New Threats, and Educating Patients and Communities
Thursday, January 13, 2026, Virtual
Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
Director, UVA Dept of Anesthesiology Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship (OPMOS)
Dr. Matt Holland, UVA Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
Dr. Chastain addressed the dangers posed by fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and illegal online pharmacies. Participants learned about identified overdose dangers as well as novel substances recently identified in communities nationwide. Then she spoke about the mission of OPMOS in this new reality.
Dr. Holland discussed indications and strategies to initiate and manage buprenorphine in the outpatient setting.
How the Opioid Crisis Has Changed the Way We Study, Evaluate, and Treat Patients
This six-part series for UVA School of Medicine Alumni was underwritten by the Department of Anesthesiology and available at no cost to the public. It was offered from September 2022 through July 2023. Although the period to claim CME credit has ended, these programs will be cataloged by OPMOS and become available as enduring material. Check back for availability.
It is impossible to discuss pain management without addressing the opioid crisis. At UVA, our Pain Management Services utilize empirically-based assessments and treatments to preemptively address our patients’ pain and provide interdisciplinary support throughout the perioperative process.
Our Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship builds educational programs for your practice, institution, and community. We collaborate with local healthcare organizations and nonprofits. We are a resource for you, and for your patients. Get involved—tell us what you’re seeing, tell us what you need at opmos@uvahealth.org.
Session 1: Who We Are, What We Do, & Where We Are Headed
September 13th, 2022
Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain, Lynn Kohan, Xiaoying (Amy) Zhu, and Priyanka Singla, UVA; Christian Renwick, UVA School of Medicine ’24; Wendy Carlton, OPMOS Program Director UVA
Introducing The Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship
You cannot talk about pain without talking about opioids. UVA opioid stewardship prevention and treatment strategies include educational programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, a perioperative pain program, and evidence-based protocol development. Share our resources with your community. Work with us. Join the conversation.
In our Spotlight Talk Dr. Kohan discussed UVA Leadership in the establishment of new national buprenorphine guidelines.
Session 2: Practice Strategies: Our Commitment to Healthcare Providers, Patients, & Our Community
November 1st, 2022
Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain, Robert Goldstein, Andrew Mendelson, Lori Urban, Bhavana Yalamuru, UVA;
Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Dr. Jeffrey Katra, UVA
Psychiatry, Behavioral Health, and Cannabis Medicine, a discussion of strategies that increase a sense of control for patients and for practitioners including opioid weaning and tapering, opioid sparing, non-pharmacological treatments, and working with challenging patients. Our Spotlight Talk from Dr. Jeffrey Katra examined the role of medical marijuana in opioid sparing and treatment of pain.
Session 3: Collaboration, Future Directions, & New Guidelines
December 6th, 2022
Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain, Robert Goldstein, & Patrick Finan, UVA; Wendy Carlton, OPMOS Program Director UVA
This session explored protocols at UVA that address what happens when pain medications are prescribed to our patients. Dr. Bob Goldstein discussed a program that ensures safe disposal of unused opioids and other medications to decrease the likelihood of perpetuating the opioid crisis in our community. Researcher Dr. Patrick Finan discussed his current research as well as future directions for pain research at UVA.
Our spotlight panel focused on new CDC Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Pain released November 3rd. 2022. We debriefed on the 12 recommendations which fall into 4 areas:
- Deciding whether to initiate opioids
- Selecting opioids and calculating dosages
- Determining duration of initial opioid prescription and conducting follow-up
- Assessing risks and addressing potential harms of opioid use
Session 4: Special Populations: Cancer Pain for the Primary Care Physician & Chronic Pelvic Pain
May 2nd, 2022
Cancer Pain for the Primary Care Physician—Dr. Andrew Mendelson, UVA
Dr. Mendelson discussed the incidence and etiology of cancer pain. Treating cancer pain presents unique challenges in an arena of shifting priorities. This discussion examines pharmacological and nonpharmacological options—and the advantages of blending the two.
Chronic Pelvic Pain—Dr. Jessica Strasburg, Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Strasburg discussed how to recognize chronic pelvic pain and the importance of a team approach to treatment. With focus on a strong foundation of open doctor-patient communication, she shared her practice of patient-centered exams using trauma informed care.
Session 5: Interventional Pain Techniques & Diabetic Neuropathy
June 13th, 2022
At UVA, our pain clinic treats each patient with a multifaceted approach unique to their physical and psychological challenges. Targeted therapies that use advanced technologies offer patients both pain relief and increased function.
Interventional Pain Procedures—Dr. Priyanka Singla, UVA
Dr. Singla discussed implications and presented an overview of interventional pain techniques, including peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps.
Diabetic Neuropathy—Dr. Bhavana Yalamuru, UVA
Dr. Yalamuru broke down what evaluation and pain management options look like for patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Session 6: Special Populations: Adolescents & Opioids
Special Populations: Adolescents & Opioids
Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain and Priyanka Singla, UVA; Virginia Leavell, Charlottesville-Albemarle EMS Chief; Christian Renwick, UVA School of Medicine ‘24
This interdisciplinary panel explored the effects the opioid crisis has had on young people. They focus on exposure, warning signs, the impact of fentanyl, and harm reduction strategies.
Community Education
The Office of Pain Management & Opioid Stewardship, (OPMOS) offers individualized opioid education programs for healthcare providers and community nonprofits, for patients and families, and for local students, teachers, and parents. You can read about some of the programs below. We are dedicated to this community, and proud to serve all its constituencies. We’d love to hear from you Charlottesville—tell us what you’re seeing, tell us what you’d like to see, and let us know how we can help at: opmos@uvahealth.org
The Department of Anesthesiology celebrates National Drug Take Back Day in collaboration with Pharmacy, Marketing, and Administration departments by hosting a drive-through drug drop-off in front of the ERC building. This event — initially submitted to, and a winner in, the UVA Health SPARK Innovation Competition — was sponsored by UVA Health Pharmacy, UVA Health Department of Anesthesiology Pain Management Center, UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship (OPMOS), and UVA Police Department.
Please see how many pounds of medications for disposal were collected over the years.
- April 2026: over 75 pounds.
- October 2025: close to 100 pounds.
- April 2024: 163 pounds and for the first time, sharp instruments in containers also were collected: two-and-a-half, extra-large trash receptacles full.
- April 2023: close to 100 pounds.
Miller Student Programs
April 13th and 14th 2026
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Lindsey Sites, MSN, UVA CRNA Director, Perioperative Services; Paige DiPirro, Region Ten, Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition Coordinator; Anne Croonquist, Parent
The Keys Unlocking the Opioid Crisis
We were happy to be back at Miller speaking to 9th and 10th graders about the ongoing dangers of fentanyl and other opioids in the drug supply—especially in counterfeit pills. Lindsey Sites joined us for the first time, and we covered new ground on emerging drug threats, including potentially fatal unregulated substances like Kratom and 7OH which are available online and at convenience stores. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her young adult son to a counterfeit pill tainted with fentanyl. And we appreciated having Paige Dipirro with us to train students in how to administer Narcan, and field all their questions. Thanks to Victoria’s Voice Foundation for providing Narcan to everyone we trained.
Topics included:
- Explaining opioids, drug exposures, and drug use among young adults
- The impact of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, and newly popular unregulated, highly addictive opioids like Kratom and 7OH
- How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, medication safety and disposal
Piedmont Virginia Community College Veterans Program
March 23rd, 2026
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Spenser Kennedy, Region Ten
Homefront Hazards
Opioids, Mental Health, and Harm Reduction for Veterans
We were proud to partner with PVCC on our first program for student Veterans and the Charlottesville Veteran community. Veterans and family members were welcomed by tablers offering supportive services and opportunities. Then attendees heard from OPMOS Director Dr. Chastain and Region Ten’s SMVF (Service Members Veterans & their Families) Peer Navigator about evidence-based strategies to help Veterans take back control of their own lives and support loved ones who are struggling. Participants learned about how opioids work, drug exposures, and the ongoing threat of counterfeit pills. We also discussed emerging drug threats in Charlotesville—Kratom and 7OH, opioids which are unregulated and available and at convince stores. And as always, everyone was trained in how to administer Narcan and given 2 doses to take with them. We’re looking forward to our next PVCC collaboration in September 2026: Pain Management for Veterans.
Topics included:
- Explaining opioids, drug exposures, and drug use among adults and young adults
- The impact of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, novel synthetic opioids, and threats of newly popular unregulated opioids like Kratom and 7OH
- How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, medication safety and disposal
Special Thanks to Community Tablers
Acudetox, Region Ten
Behavioral Health Outreach Prevention Specialist, Region Ten
Charlottesville City Emergency Medical Services—ANCHOR Team (Assisting with Navigation, Crisis Help and Outreach Resources)
Director of Prevention Services—Lock & Talk, Region Ten
Fifth Element Massage
Hyperbaric Wellness Foundation
Living Free Together
Piedmont Virginia Community College
UVA Office of Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship
Veteran Peer Engagement Specialist, Region Ten
Piedmont Virginia Community College Radiology Students and Student Veterans
November 18th, 2025
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Anne Croonquist, parent; Paige DiPirro, Region Ten, Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition Coordinator
The Keys Unlocking the Opioid Crisis
We are always happy to be back at PVCC! The OPMOS team spoke to health sciences and Veteran students who shared both professional and personal insights during our discussion. We covered new ground on emerging drug threats—including novel synthetic and organic substances which are unregulated and proliferating rapidly. Many are readily available online, and at gas stations and convenience stores. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her young adult son to a counterfeit pill tainted with fentanyl. And we appreciated having Paige Dipirro with us to train participants in how to administer Narcan, and field many thoughtful questions. Thanks to Victoria’s Voice Foundation for providing Narcan to everyone we trained.
Topics included:
- Explaining opioids, drug exposures, and drug use among adults and young adults
- The impact of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, xylazine, and medetomidine, and novel synthetic opioids like N-methyl clonazepam and Nitazines
- The threats of newly popular organic and synthetic substances like Kratom, Kava, and 7OH
- How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, medication safety and disposal
Albemarle County Public Schools Education Conference
Monticello High School
November 3, 2025
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain UVA; Dr. Bob Goldstein, UVA Emeritus; Anne Croonquist, parent; Paige DiPirro, Region Ten, Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition Coordinator
The OPMOS team was proud to be part of the Albemarle County Public Schools education conference for the 3rd consecutive year. We did four sessions throughout the day—two presentations on the opioid crisis including Narcan training, and two new presentations on the current drug landscape and student drug use.
I. Signs of Drug Use and Substance Use Disorder in Teens
ACPS asked us to design a program specifically for them. School nurses, security officers, administrators, and teachers wanted to be better equipped to understand the current drug use landscape in county schools. So we looked at the behavioral and physical signs of drug use and substance use disorder. We talked about the social/emotional roots of misuse in students’ families, neighborhoods, and school communities. We covered de-escalating emotionally and/or physically charged situations, and the importance of debriefing after an incident—with the student, and among faculty and staff. And we emphasized that educators taking good care of themselves and one another is essential to helping their students.
Seminar Topics Included:
- A primer on classes of drugs, popular drugs, and their effects on the body and brain
- How to recognize the physical and mental signs of substance use and abuse
- Understanding the social-emotional roots of substance use and abuse
- The particular impacts of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, and newly popular opioids Kratom and 7OH
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors and support systems for students, parents, and educators
- How to recognize overdoses, Good Samaritan Laws
II. The Keys to Unlocking the Opioid Crisis
In sessions with faculty and administrators, we discussed the topics below as well as strategies for better supporting and communicating with students and colleagues. Many participants raised the issue of getting this information to their students, and getting Narcan into the hands of as many members of the school community as possible. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her young adult son, a graduate of Albemarle High School, to an opioid overdose. Paige DiPirro of Region Ten trained participants in how to administer Narcan. Thank you to Victoria’s Voice Foundation for the free Narcan that was provided for everyone.
Seminar Topics Included:
- Understanding opioids, and young adult drug use
- The impact of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, and novel synthetic opioids like nitazines
- The threats of newly popular substances like Kratom, Kava, and 7OH
- How to recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors and support systems for students and parents
- Overdoses—how to recognize them, how to stop them, Good Samaritan Laws
- Harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home, drug take-back options
- Narcan training
Piedmont Virginia Community College Student & Faculty Program
September 22, 2025
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Dr. Bob Goldstein, UVA Emeritus; Anne Croonquist, parent; Paige DiPirro, Region Ten, Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition Coordinator
The Keys Unlocking the Opioid Crisis
It was great to be back at PVCC! The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team spoke to the PVCC community about how to keep everyone safe. Along with the topics below, we discussed strategies for better support and communication among students, faculty, friends, and family. The audience as well as the presenters spoke openly about their experiences and concerns which made for a rich discussion. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her young adult son to an opioid overdose. And we appreciated having Paige Dipirro with us to train participants in how to administer Narcan, and field dozens of thoughtful questions. A special thanks the Victoria’s Voice Foundation for providing Narcan to everyone we trained. We look forward to our 5th visit to PVCC later this fall.
Topics included:
- Explaining opioids, drug exposures, and use among young adults
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and the threat of novel synthetic opioids and counterfeit pills
- How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors and support systems
- Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, medication safety and disposal
National Fentanyl Awareness Day
OPMOS Tabling on grounds at UVA
Tuesday April 29, 2025
Presenters: Dr. Dania Chastain, UVA, Founding Director; Wendy Carlton, Program Director
OPMOS set up shop outside the O Hill Dining Hall to spread the word about fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and Narcan. We educated a steady stream of students and got valuable feedback. At least 6 Residence Hall Advisors stopped by and asked if we could speak in their dorms next fall. We gave away all our Narcan—over 50 boxes—as well as fentanyl test strips. We handed out OPMOS “How to Administer Narcan” postcards and “Where and How to Get Narcan” flyers, street sheets on mental health/SUD/harm reduction resources, medication safety and disposal information, and some fun swag courtesy of Connie Clark at the UVA Trauma Program. Also popular were Region Ten suicide hotline magnets, and cool hand-drawn Narcan zines from On Our Own. Special thanks to these partners for helping make the day a success! We love to collaborate with our community!
Miller School of Albemarle Student and Parent Programs
Miller Student Programs
April 7th and 8th, 2025
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Virginia Leavell, Albemarle County Fire/Rescue HART Specialist, and Chief, Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad; Anne Croonquist, Parent
The Opioid Crisis: What Students Need to Know
Returning for our 4th and 5th presentations, we really felt at home at Miller! And we are proud that the school gave us our first chance to speak to 8th graders. Together with the 9th and 10th graders, all the students were great listeners with lots of questions about how opioids work, the high risks presented by counterfeit pills, and how to take care of themselves and the people they love. The 10th grade bested them all in catching the Narcan trainers that special guest Crozet Fire Chief Gary Dillon tossed into the bleachers.
Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad Chief Virginia Leavell trained everyone in how to administer Narcan, with help from Miller senior Damien Kerseborn, who is training to be an EMT. All 3 classes also heard from Anne Croonquist, who generously shared the story of losing her son, an Albemarle High School graduate, to an opioid overdose. We have been so impressed with Miller students’ commitment to keeping their community safe. Go Mavericks!
Topics included:
- Explaining opioids, drug exposures, and use among young adults
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and counterfeit pills
- How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, medication safety and disposal
Miller Parents Virtual Program
January 21st, 2025
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Wendy Carlton, OPMOS Program Director UVA; Anne Croonquist, Parent
The Opioid Crisis: What Parents Need to Know
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team did a virtual presentation for Miller parents of both day and boarding students. They appreciated hearing what we’d be discussing with their kids the following week. This parent-student program combination provides valuable opportunities for open, honest family discussions about a scary and complicated subject. Along with the topics below, we outlined strategies for better supporting adolescents and families and keeping their community safe. As always, we were grateful for Anne Croonquist who generously shared the story of losing her young adult son, a graduate of Albemarle High School, to an opioid overdose.
Topics Included:
- Understanding opioids, and young adult drug use
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and counterfeit pills
- How to recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors and support systems for
students and parents - Overdoses, Narcan, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home, safe drug disposal
Miller Student Programs
January 30th and 31st 2025
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Virginia Leavell, Albemarle County Fire/Rescue HART Specialist, and Chief, Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad; Anne Croonquist, Parent
The Opioid Crisis: What Students Need to Know
The OPMOS team loved our afternoons with the juniors and seniors at Miller! Over a pizza lunch in the gym, we had a frank discussion about facts, risks, and strategies for taking care of themselves and the people they love. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her son, a graduate of Albemarle High School, to an opioid overdose. Virginia Leavell trained everyone in how to administer Narcan. And students had lots of insightful questions about counterfeit pills, responding to overdoses, and keeping their community safe. Look forward to our next visit to Miller.
Topics included:
- Explaining opioids, drug exposures, and use among young adults
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and counterfeit pills
- How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, medication safety and disposal
Western Albemarle High School Faculty and Administration Virtual Program
January 6, 2025
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Virginia Leavell, Albemarle County Fire/Rescue HART Specialist, and Chief, Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad; Anne Croonquist, Parent
Navigating the Opioid Crisis
In the midst of a snowstorm, we shifted our first program of the new year to a virtual discussion with over 100 teachers and administrators at Western. Along with the topics below, we outlined strategies for better supporting students and keeping their community safe. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her young adult son, a graduate of Albemarle High School, to an opioid overdose. Virginia trained participants in how to administer Narcan, and we later delivered a supply of free Narcan to the school. It was a great follow up to our evening program for Western parents and students in December.
Topics Included:
- Understanding opioids, and young adult drug use
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and counterfeit pills
- How to recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors and support systems for
students and parents - Overdoses—how to recognize them, how to stop them, Good Samaritan Laws
- Harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home, drug take-back options
- Narcan training
Western Albemarle High School Parents and Students Program
December 16, 2024
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Jasdev Singh, UVA Medical School ’28; Virginia Leavell, Chief, Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad
Navigating the Opioid Crisis
The OPMOS team was excited for our first program at Western We spoke to a gathering of parents and students, as well as some administrators and faculty. Along with the topics below, we outlined strategies for better supporting students and families and keeping their community safe. Virginia trained participants in how to administer Narcan, and free Narcan was available to participants. We look forward to coming back in January to speak to all Western faculty and administrators.
Topics Included:
- Understanding opioids, and young adult drug use
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and counterfeit pills
- How to recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors and support systems for students and parents
- Overdoses—how to recognize them, how to stop them, Good Samaritan Laws
- Harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home, drug take-back options
- Narcan training
Albemarle County High School Parent Teacher Student Organization
November 19, 2024
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Anne Croonquist, Parent
Navigating the Opioid Crisis
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team was invited to our first PTSO meeting at Albemarle High School. We had a warm welcome from Principal Damean Barfield and PTSO President Lynette Lanning. We spoke to parents, student representatives, and administrators about how to keep everyone in their community safe.
Along with the topics below, we discussed strategies for better supporting and communicating with our young adults. In addition, Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her young adult son, a graduate of Albemarle High School, to an opioid overdose. We hope it was the first of many visits to AHS!
Topics Included:
- Understanding opioids, and young adult drug use
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and counterfeit pills
- How to recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors
and support systems for students and parents - Narcan and Good Samaritan Laws
- Harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home, and drug take-back options
Piedmont Virginia Community College Student Program
September 30, 2024
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Anne Croonquist, parent; Spenser Kennedy, Prevention Specialist, Region Ten Community Services Board
The Opioid Crisis: What Charlottesville Students Need to Know
Following two presentations to PVCC faculty and staff this summer, The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team returned to speak with the students. We had a very substantive discussion about facts, risks, and harm reduction strategies. Students shared their own experiences and perspectives and asked thoughtful questions. Along with the topics below, we discussed strategies for supporting and communicating with each other in ways that help keep everyone in the PVCC community safe. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her young adult son to an opioid overdose. And Spenser Kennedy, a former PVCC student himself, trained participants in how to administer Narcan, and provided free Narcan for everyone.
Program topics included:
- Explaining opioids; drug exposures and use among young adults
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and counterfeit pills
- How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home
Piedmont Virginia Community College Staff Program
June 20, 2024
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain and Bhavana Yalamuru, UVA; Anne Croonquist, parent; Virginia Leavell, Charlottesville-Albemarle EMS Chief
The Opioid Crisis: What Charlottesville Educators Need to Know
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team spoke to a group of PVCC staff about how to keep everyone in their community safe. Along with the topics below, we discussed strategies for better supporting and communicating with students and colleagues. There was a lengthy Q and A which gave us the opportunity to dive deeper into the complexities of the opioid crisis. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her son, a local young adult, to an opioid overdose. Local EMS Chief Virginia Leavell trained participants on how to administer Narcan, and staff were able to leave with free Narcan.
Topics Included:
- Understanding opioids, and young adult drug use
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, and counterfeit pills
- How to recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors and support systems for
students and parents - Overdoses—how to recognize them, how to stop them, Good Samaritan Laws
- Harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home, drug take-back options
- Narcan training
Winchester Medical Center, Valley Health, Grand Rounds (CME)
June 19th, 2024
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain and Bhavana Yalamuru, UVA
Navigating Clinical Practice in the Aftermath of the Opioid Crisis
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team presented an individualized Continuing Medication Education program with a focus to:
- Describe the current extent and landscape of the opioid crisis
- Explore mitigation strategies
- Discuss safe opioid prescribing practices
Albemarle County Center One Satellite High School Program
May 13th and 14th, 2024
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain and Christian Renwick, UVA; Anne Croonquist, parent; Zarina Burdge, Director of Prevention Services and Spenser Kennedy, Prevention Specialist, Region Ten Community Service Board
The Opioid Crisis: What Charlottesville Students Need to Know
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team spent two days at Center One School talking to the graduating seniors. Class programs provided students the opportunity for frank discussions about facts, risks, and harm reduction strategies. There were dozens of thoughtful questions about navigating the complicated and dangerous landscape of the opioid crisis. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her son, a recent Monticello High School graduate, to an opioid overdose. Community partners Zarina Burdge and Spenser Kennedy from Region Ten Community Service Board trained everyone on how to administer Narcan, and students we able to leave with free Narcan. Special thanks to Anne, Zarina, and Spenser.
Student Program topics included:
• Explaining opioids; drug exposures and use among young adults
• The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, and counterfeit pills
• How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
• Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
• Narcan training
• Being an active bystander, harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home
Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition, CMHWC
May 14, 2024
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain, UVA; Founding Director OPMOS; Wendy Carlton, Program Director OPMOS
What OPMOS Adolescent Opioid Education Looks Like in Charlottesville
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team spoke to a group from over 20 local organizations which comprise the Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition. Its members collaborate to support mental health and wellness, addiction, and harm reduction resources through planning, advocacy, and increased access to effective service delivery. We shared the content, goals, and research behind our educational programming for teens and young adults. Albemarle and our 5 surrounding counties are lucky to have CMHWC doing vital work on the ground to support the well-being of everyone in our communities. We are proud to be a part of this work.
Albemarle County Public Schools Community Conversations Webinar
May 1, 2024
Presenters: Dr. Dania Cyd Chastain UVA, Founding Director OPMOS; Anne Croonquist, parent
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team was excited to be part of the ACPS Community Conversations Webinar for school staff and parents. We talked about the impact of the opioid crisis in our area, highlighting public health statistics and demographics that help provide context for a deeper understanding. We educated everyone about Narcan and what families and school communities need to do to stay safe. Anne Croonquist generously shared the story of losing her young adult son to an opioid overdose. Her son, Kevin, was a graduate of Monticello High School. The presentation was also recorded and shown at the Parent Council (a group of parent representatives from each Albemarle County school) meeting a week later so parents could discuss the information in person.
Tandem Friends School Student, Parent, and Faculty Programs:
April 19, 2024
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain and Christian Renwick, UVA; Nate Tricker, DDS; Virginia Leavell, Charlottesville-Albemarle EMS Chief
The Opioid Crisis: What Charlottesville Students Need to Know, Faculty
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team had a great visit to Tandem Friends! An afternoon assembly provided the opportunity for a frank discussion with 150 students in grades 9-12 about facts, risks, and strategies for taking care of themselves and the people they love. We provided training on how to administer Narcan, and time for questions about navigating the complicated and dangerous landscape of the opioid crisis. Special thanks to Zarina Burdge, Director of Prevention Services at Region Ten, for partnering with us to distribute Narcan to students and faculty.
Student Assembly topics included:
- Explaining opioids; drug exposures and use among young adults
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, and counterfeit pills
- How to understand and recognize substance use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home
- Tandem Friends School Parent Program
April 30th, 2024
The Opioid Crisis: Tandem Parents Program
April 30, 2024
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain and Christian Renwick, UVA; Nate Tricker, DDS; Virginia Leavell, Charlottesville-Albemarle EMS Chief
The Opioid Crisis: What Charlottesville Parents Need to Know
Following our presentation to upper school students at Tandem Friends, the UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team spoke to parents in an evening program. We shared what their kids had learned from us, along with strategies for better communicating with their teenagers and keeping them safe. We all benefited from a robust discussion at the end, with lots of great questions about how to navigate the complicated and dangerous landscape of the opioid crisis.
Topics for Parents Included:
-
- Explaining opioids, exposures for teens, and adolescent drug use
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, and counterfeit pill
- How to recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness and family engagement as protective factors and support systems for
students and parents - Overdoses—how to identify them, how to stop them, Good Samaritan Laws
- Harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home, drug take-back options
Albemarle County Public Schools Professional Development Conference at Monticello High School
November 6, 2023
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain and Robert Goldstein UVA; Christian Renwick, UVA School of Medicine ’24; and Wendy Carlton, OPMOS Program Director.
Making Connections Presentation at the Albemarle County Public Schools Professional Development Conference
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team was invited to speak at the Albemarle County Public Schools education conference,“Making Connections.”
Seminar topics for faculty & administrators included:
-
-
- Understanding opioids, exposures for teens, and adolescent drug use
- The impact of fentanyl, xylazine, and counterfeit pills
- How to recognize substance use and abuse
- School connectedness as a protective factor and support system for students and their families
- Overdoses: how to recognize them, how to stop them, and Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, and medication safety
-
Charlottesville Albemarle Dental Society, CADS CME Accredited
May 25, 2023
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain, Lynn Kohan, Priyanka Singla and Andrew Mendelson, UVA; Nate Tricker, DDS; Virginia Leavell, Charlottesville-Albemarle EMS Chief; Christian Renwick, UVA School of Medicine ‘24
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team presented an individualized program focused on topics including:
-
-
- New CDC opioid prescribing guidelines
- Prescribing practices of general dentists and dental specialists
- Acute pain management
- Chronic pain management
- Treating pain
- Warning signs for opioid use disorder in healthcare providers
- Narcan training
- Medication safety and responsibility
-
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Opioid Management for Hospitalists, Sentara CME Accredited
April 6th, 2023
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain, Lynn Kohan, Robert Goldstein, Bhavana Yalamuru, Andrew Mendelson and Priyanka Singla, UVA Department of Anesthesiology/Division of Pain Medicine; Wendy Carlton, OPMOS Program Director UVA
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team presented an individualized program focused on topics including:
-
-
- Working with chronic pain patients in an acute care setting
- Opioid tapering strategies
- Working with challenging patients
- Treating with suboxone
- Educating patients, creating and using behavioral agreements
- Decreasing substance use disorder in patients with short-term opioid treatment plans
-
Saint Anne’s Belfield School Student, Parent, and Faculty Programs
March 29th , 2023
Presenters: Drs. Dania Cyd Chastain, Priyanka Singla, and Andrew Mendelson UVA; Nate Tricker, DDS; Virginia Leavell, Charlottesville-Albemarle EMS Chief
Assembly Topics for Students, Faculty & Administrators
The UVA Department of Anesthesiology OPMOS team presented a program focused on topics including:
-
-
- The opioid crisis: statistics and demographics
- Understanding opioids
- Adolescent drug use
- The impact of fentanyl and counterfeit pills
- Behavioral and physical signs of drug use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to recognize them, how to stop them, Good Samaritan Laws
- Narcan training
- Being an active bystander, harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home
-
Webinar Topics for Parents Included:
-
- The opioid crisis: statistics and demographics
- Understanding opioids
- Adolescent drug use
- Adolescent opioid use—potential exposures, access
- The impact of fentanyl and counterfeit pills
- Risk factors for drug use, and behavioral and physical signs of use and abuse
- Overdoses—how to recognize them, how to stop them, Good Samaritan Laws
- Harm reduction, keeping meds safe at home, being an active bystander
- How to talk to your kids about opioids and other drugs