Youngkins expand fentanyl awareness campaign ‘It Only Takes One’ across Virginia

Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin continue to build on their efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis.

At CARITAS in Richmond on Tuesday, the Youngkins announced the statewide expansion of It Only Takes One.

The It Only Takes One initiative expansion will target additional communities across the Commonwealth that are high substance use areas and have been impacted by the fentanyl epidemic. In the critical areas, the First Lady will visit schools, Community Service Boards, churches and recovery centers to spread fentanyl awareness.

First Lady Youngkin introduced the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program, empowering impacted families to share their stories and raise community awareness.

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

The event also highlighted the Governor and First Lady’s strong commitment to combating Virginia‘s opioid crisis through Operation FREE. In April 2024, Operation FREE led to the seizure of 51 pounds of fentanyl — enough to kill all 8.7 million Virginians — underscoring the urgency of Gov. Youngkin’s statewide expansion of the It Only Takes One campaign.

“The collaboration around It Only Takes One has been remarkable,” First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin said. “By expanding this initiative statewide, we hope to ensure that every family has the resources and information needed 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. I also want to commend Attorney General Jason Miyares for his great work through the ‘One Pill, Can Kill’ campaign, which is critical in combating the fentanyl crisis in our Commonwealth.”

Last week, First Lady Youngkin, alongside New Jersey‘s First Lady Tammy Murphy, led a nationwide effort to spotlight National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, with more than 35 states participating through flag-lowering, purple lighting of government buildings, and spreading awareness on social media. The efforts build on the momentum of the It Only Takes One campaign, which, after its January 2024 launch in Roanoke, increased fentanyl awareness by 12 percent and made parents 55 percent more likely to discuss the dangers with their children.

Building on the statewide campaign expansion, the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program was officially launched. The program empowers families affected by fentanyl to share their stories, advocate in their communities and raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl. After the press conference, families participated in media training, hosted by the Virginia Department of Health and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, designed to share tips for how to be successful in working with media outlets to share their experiences.

“Encouraging families to share their stories is absolutely essential,” Janet V. Kelly, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, said. “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.”