first Lady Youngkin Amplifies Fentanyl Awareness Efforts at Virginia Colleges
FARMVILLE, VA – First Lady Suzanne Youngkin’s ”It Only Takes One” campaign is expanding its reach to Virginia colleges and universities, including recent initiatives at Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College, to combat the rising threat of fentanyl-related fatalities. The campaign aims to mobilize students and communities through education, outreach, and open conversations about the dangers of the deadly synthetic opioid.
Virginia has seen a significant downturn in fentanyl-related deaths,with fatal overdoses declining by more than 50% over the past year and nearly 60% as 2022,reaching thier lowest level since 2018. This progress is attributed to increased awareness, education, and community engagement efforts like “It Only Takes One,” alongside the Youngkin Management’s broader investments in behavioral health.
The ”It Only Takes One” initiative focuses on empowering individuals to have informed conversations and perhaps save lives. It leverages partnerships with Fentanyl family Ambassadors and a newly established network of Fentanyl College Ambassadors to spread awareness across the Commonwealth.
“Education, outreach, and inspiration are all critical components of prevention work,” said Dr. Richard Pantele, Dean of Students at Hampden-Sydney College. “Our young men take seriously their duty of care for each other,for their families,and for their communities as good men and good citizens. The messaging, stories, and education…further inspired all of us to be ambassadors of change, to take action, and to further educate, support, and inspire each other with this very important work.”
The Youngkin Administration has also committed $1.5 billion to strengthen Virginia’s behavioral health system through the Right Help, Right Now initiative, expanding crisis response teams, 988 call centers, and stabilization units statewide.
Virginians interested in learning more, taking the pledge, or becoming a Fentanyl College Ambassador can visit www.ItOnlyTakesOne.Virginia.gov.
