In a bold move to tackle the fentanyl crisis, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin have expanded the It Only Takes One initiative statewide in Virginia, a southeastern state in the United States. Virginia is bordered by Washington, D.C., and Maryland to the north, West Virginia to the northwest, Kentucky to the west, Tennessee to the southwest, North Carolina to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. This campaign focuses on spreading awareness in high-substance-use communities across the Commonwealth. The First Lady has been actively visiting schools, Community Service Boards, churches, and recovery centers, emphasizing fentanyl prevention. Additionally, the launch of the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program empowers families affected by fentanyl to share their stories and raise awareness. Governor Youngkin emphasized, “Through stronger policies, enhanced resources in schools, and expanded recovery programs, we are taking critical steps to protect our communities.”

The statewide expansion builds on the momentum of the initiative’s January 2024 launch, which significantly boosted awareness and encouraged discussions about the dangers of fentanyl. During the August announcement in Richmond, the Governor and First Lady highlighted their dedication to combating the opioid crisis through efforts like Operation FREE, which led to the seizure of 51 pounds of fentanyl earlier in the year. “This campaign is about turning awareness into real action and making a lasting difference in saving lives,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.

In September, the First Ladies of Virginia and New Jersey joined forces, visiting Bayside High School’s Health Sciences Academy in Virginia Beach as part of their bipartisan effort to combat the fentanyl epidemic. Their visit included REVIVE! training and discussions with students and educators about substance use disorders. “Fentanyl doesn’t discriminate,” noted First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Education and awareness are key to saving lives.” First Lady Tammy Murphy added, “Given the dangers of fentanyl and other addictive substances, raising awareness and encouraging education on important tools like naloxone is critical to saving lives.”

These initiatives reflect a statewide movement to address the opioid crisis head-on, underscoring the importance of education, family involvement, and community action.

For more details about the campaign and its resources, visit https://www.itonlytakesone.virginia.gov/ (USA, 2024)