Drug deaths: Jan.-June 2020 vs. Jan.-June 2021

During the first half of this year, at least 1,343 Virginians died from drug overdoses -- a 22% increase from the first half of 2020. Drug fatalities rose in 71 of the state's 133 cities and counties, especially in suburban Richmond, Tidewater and certain rural localities such as Accomack and Wythe counties.

Beware that in sparsely populated localities, the percentage change may be based on just a handful of deaths.
Map: By Jeff South Source: Virginia Medical Examiner's Office Get the data