Youngkin Announces Expansion of Fentanyl Overdose Awareness Campaign

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin are stepping up their battle against the fentanyl crisis in Virginia. During a visit to CARITAS, a recovery and support organization in Richmond, they announced the statewide expansion of their “It Only Takes One” initiative. This campaign, which has already increased fentanyl awareness since its launch earlier this year, will now reach more communities across Virginia that are heavily affected by the epidemic.

The expansion means that First Lady Suzanne Youngkin will visit schools, community centers, churches, and recovery centers in these critical areas to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. The initiative also introduces a new effort called the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program. This program encourages families impacted by fentanyl to share their personal stories, raising awareness and fostering a greater sense of community action against the crisis.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin announce successes in the administration’s efforts to combat fentanyl at CARITAS in Richmond, on August 27, 2024. Official Photo by Austin Stevens, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Empowering Families to Make a Difference

“We are making real progress in the fight against fentanyl,” Governor Youngkin said. “Through stronger policies, enhanced school resources, and expanded recovery programs, we are taking critical steps to protect our communities. With the statewide expansion of ‘It Only Takes One’ and the new Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program, we’re ensuring families have the tools to amplify their stories and save lives across Virginia.”

First Lady Suzanne Youngkin also emphasized the importance of expanding the initiative. “The collaboration around ‘It Only Takes One’ has been remarkable,” she said. “By expanding this initiative statewide, we hope to ensure that every family has the resources and information to protect their children from this deadly threat. This campaign is about turning awareness into real action and making a lasting difference in saving lives.”

The First Lady also commended Attorney General Jason Miyares for his efforts through the “One Pill Can Kill” campaign, which targets the dangers of a single fentanyl-laced pill and aims to educate communities about the risks associated with synthetic opioids.

Combatting the Crisis Through Community Efforts

The event underscored the Governor and First Lady’s ongoing commitment to fighting Virginia’s opioid crisis through initiatives like Operation FREE. This effort, launched in April, resulted in the seizure of 51 pounds of fentanyl—an amount large enough to kill every resident of Virginia. The success of Operation FREE highlights the urgency behind expanding the “It Only Takes One” campaign to ensure broader community engagement and education.

The fight against fentanyl also gained national attention last week when First Lady Youngkin joined New Jersey’s First Lady Tammy Murphy in leading a nationwide effort to observe National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. More than 35 states participated in this event by lowering flags, lighting government buildings in purple, and spreading awareness on social media.

Since its launch in Roanoke in January 2024, the “It Only Takes One” campaign has increased public awareness about fentanyl by 12% and made parents 55% more likely to discuss the dangers of the drug with their children.

Voices of Impacted Families

As part of the campaign’s expansion, the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program was officially launched. This program empowers families who have been affected by fentanyl to share their stories and advocate within their communities. At the event, families participated in media training hosted by the Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The training provided them with tools and techniques to communicate their experiences effectively with the media.

“Encouraging families to share their stories is absolutely essential,” said Janet V. Kelly, Secretary of Health and Human Resources. “These families have lived through unimaginable loss and hardship, and their voices have the power to break down stigma, raise awareness, and inspire action. Their stories can change lives, reshape communities, and ultimately help prevent more tragedies. This initiative expansion marks the beginning of a movement to ensure that these voices are heard across Virginia and that their experiences lead to real, lasting change.”

Looking Ahead

With the expansion of the “It Only Takes One” campaign and the introduction of the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program, Virginia is taking significant steps toward combating the devastating effects of the fentanyl crisis. Empowering affected families and engaging communities aims to turn awareness into action and save lives across the state.

For more information about “It Only Takes One” and how to get involved, visit www.itonlytakesone.virginia.gov.