On Thursday, First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin joined Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly, James Madison University (JMU) leadership, and student leaders to officially launch the Fentanyl College Ambassador Program at JMU on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.
Statewide efforts across legislation, law enforcement, education, and naloxone distribution have resulted in a 46% decrease in overdose deaths since the peak in 2021—placing Virginia at the top of the nation in reversing fentanyl-related fatalities.
The launch event began with a reception at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, where the First Lady met with students representing Greek Life, Club Sports, Varsity Athletics, Student Government, and other campus organizations. Together with Secretary Kelly, university officials, and community leaders, the First Lady shared the goals of the It Only Takes One(IOTO) initiative: empowering students to raise awareness, start peer-to-peer conversations, and prevent fentanyl poisonings and overdose deaths across Virginia campuses.
Special guests included Sean and Afrodita Foster, Fentanyl Family Ambassadors from Fairfax County, who shared the story of their son Cayden, whose life was tragically taken by fentanyl in 2023. Their testimony served as a reminder of the urgent need for student leadership in combating this crisis.
“On this National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, we launch the Fentanyl College Ambassador Program to equip students with the knowledge, resources, and courage to be lifesavers on school campuses and in their communities,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “This builds on our ongoing efforts to protect lives and we certainly laud JMU and Virginia college students who are stepping up to lead a movement – because it only takes one person, one conversation, and one decision to save a life.”
Following the reception, the First Lady, Secretary Kelly, and JMU students joined fans at Sentara Park for the Dukes’ men’s soccer match. During halftime, the First Lady delivered remarks and joined students who took to the field to form the shape of a “1,” symbolizing the It Only Takes One message. Fans were encouraged to take the pledge at ItOnlyTakesOne.virginia.gov and help protect their communities from the dangers of fentanyl.
The evening also featured naloxone training by ResQED students, distribution of life-saving resources provided by the Virginia Department of Health, and participation from Fentanyl Family Ambassadors and JMU student leaders serving as the program’s first College Ambassadors.
With fentanyl overdose deaths trending downward in Virginia, the First Lady’s It Only Takes One initiative—now expanding to college campuses—aims to continue momentum by empowering young leaders to fight stigma, spread awareness, and save lives.
“We are delighted to bring It Only Takes One to college campuses and especially grateful that today James Madison University is shining a light on the dangers of fentanyl,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “Our kids are being offered dangerous pills and powders. We believe raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl will save lives on campuses across the Commonwealth.”
“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority at James Madison University,” said JMU President Jim Schmidt. “The threat posed by fentanyl is urgent, and we are committed to proactive awareness, education and prevention for our entire campus community. We will continue to work closely with campus and JMU partners to ensure that students have access to life-saving resources, and that they are empowered with the knowledge to protect themselves and others. Together, we support the First Lady of Virginia’s inspiring work in this area and aspire to build a campus culture of care, awareness and resilience,” added Schmidt.
“I am grateful for everything the First Lady is doing to advocate for fentanyl awareness and education,” said JMU student Sydney Level. “Life can change so quickly. Reach out to the people you care about, have a conversation about the dangers of fentanyl, don’t fight over small things, and surround yourself with people who reflect what you stand for and believe in.”
Recent data shows that Harrisonburg and Rockingham are experiencing notable reductions in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024—down 16.7% across all drugs and 70% for fentanyl—while non-opioid fatalities have remained steady.
The First Lady’s It Only Takes One initiative, in partnership with the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth and Virginia Department of Health, has included: creation of the new It Only Takes One newsletter, resource distribution to media and healthcare providers, outreach to Community Service Boards and universities, the creation of a robust statewide website, support for Operation FREE, and a Public Service Announcement that was released in correlation with Virginia Fentanyl Awareness Day.
Significant action and legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis in the Commonwealth include:
- Executive Order 26: Issued by Governor Glenn Youngkin, this order declared a State of Emergency in Virginia due to the fentanyl crisis, enhancing coordination among public safety, public health, and education leaders and directing resources toward prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts to combat the deadly impact of fentanyl across the Commonwealth.
- Senate Bill 469 (SB 469): Patroned by Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R), this bill prohibits the purchase, sale, or distribution of pill presses and encapsulating machines used to produce counterfeit drugs, particularly those laced with fentanyl.
- Senate Bill 498 (SB 498): Patroned by Senator Jennifer D. Carroll Foy (D), this bill mandates the Virginia Board of Education to establish guidelines for school-connected overdose response and parental notification policies, ensuring timely communication with parents in the event of a school-related overdose.
- Senate Bill 614 (SB 614) and House Bill 1187 (HB 1187): These bills, patroned by Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D) and Delegate Christopher T. Head (R) respectively, establish penalties for the unauthorized manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession of xylazine intended for human consumption, addressing the rising misuse of this veterinary sedative.
- Senate Bill 726 (SB 726) and House Bill 732 (HB 732): Patroned by Senator Mamie E. Locke (D) and Delegate Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D), respectively, these bills require public schools to provide education on opioid overdose prevention and reversal, integrating critical information into school curricula.
- House Bill 342 (HB 342): Patroned by Delegate Emily M. Brewer (R), this bill requires state agencies to possess naloxone or other opioid antagonists for overdose reversal
- House Bill 1280 (HB 1280): Patroned by Delegate Tara A. Durant (R), this bill requires schools to notify parents within 24 hours of a student overdose occurring on school property or at a school-sponsored event, ensuring families are informed quickly and accurately.
- Senate Bill 746 (SB 746) and House Bill 2657 (HB 2657): Patroned by Delegate Joshua E. Thomas and Senator Ryan T. McDougle, these bills establish that individuals who distribute fentanyl resulting in the death of another person may be charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, strengthening accountability for those who traffic this deadly drug.
The Youngkin administration has also committed $1.4 billion in new spending to the Right Help, Right Now initiative to strengthen behavioral health services statewide.
Fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug-related deaths in Virginia. The It Only Takes One initiative continues its mission to equip Virginians with the tools, education, and community partnerships needed to save lives. For more information or to get involved, visit: www.ItOnlyTakesOne.Virginia.gov
