Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin marked a significant decline in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Virginia, announcing a nearly 59 percent reduction since January 2022. The event, held at the Patrick Henry Building on November 13, brought together state officials, law enforcement leaders, public health representatives, and families affected by fentanyl.
“With an average of five Virginians dying each day in 2022, we launched a comprehensive effort to stop the scourge of fentanyl. Today, Virginia leads the nation and has cut fentanyl overdose deaths by more than half,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Over the past four years, we have prioritized interruption of the drug trade through the Virginia State Police led Operation FREE; enacted a new ban on pill presses and increased punishment of fentanyl dealers with a felony when sales result in fatal overdoses; educated Virginians about the dangers of fentanyl through the First Lady’s It Only Takes One initiative and the Attorney General’s One Pill, Can Kill efforts; and equipped Virginians to save someone’s life with the mass distribution of naloxone. All of this is supported by our Right Help, Right Now behavioral health transformation — delivering crisis care to vulnerable Virginians.”
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin highlighted community involvement: “Today we commemorate the profound, positive impact of a collective effort to protect Virginians from the dangers of deadly fentanyl,” she said. “‘It Only Takes One’ is an awareness campaign built on the idea that one mistake can take a life, but one caring conversation can save a life. We are forever grateful to those having life-saving conversations and doing the hard work of prevention.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares emphasized ongoing support for those struggling with addiction: “More Virginians are alive today because of Governor Youngkin’s leadership and our Commonwealth’s multifaceted approach to combating the fentanyl and addiction epidemic. The greatest act of strength for anyone battling addiction is asking for help — and Virginia stands ready with meaningful support and resources,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team, whose relentless work has secured more than $1 billion from drug manufacturers and distributors to help communities reduce, prevent, and treat addiction at the local level. However, we cannot afford to slow our efforts. Now is the time to double down on our commitment to fighting addiction and supporting every Virginian on the path to recovery.”
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Administrator Terry Cole also commented: “Fentanyl is driving the worst drug crisis of our time, but we will not allow this threat to persist,” he said. “Virginia’s success proves that when law enforcement, prevention, and public health efforts move with one purpose, lives are saved. DEA is proud to support Virginia’s achievement, and we are working to bring this same unity of effort to every community in America. Together, we will make this nation fentanyl free.”
Secretary Marcus Anderson described collaborative actions across agencies: “This milestone represents the result of an unprecedented, unified commitment to protecting Virginians,” he stated.“Cutting fentanyl-related overdose deaths by nearly 59 percent is not an accident—it is the direct outcome of disciplined enforcement, strategic interdiction,and relentless coordination across federal,state,and local partners.”
Janet V.Kelly,the Secretaryof Healthand Human Resources,praisedthe collaboration:“Behind every numberis alife saved anda family spared unimaginable loss.Virginia’s success shows what’s possible when collaboration compassion,and common sense drive action.This unified effort has turnedthe tideof fentanylinour Commonwealth—and restored hope tocounless Virginians.”
The drop in fatalities follows several coordinated initiatives:
– Operation FREE led by Virginia State Police focused on disrupting drug trafficking networks.
– New laws increased penalties for possessing pill presses without proper authorization.
– Schools must now report suspected student overdoses within 24 hours.
– A new felony charge targets dealers linked directly to fatal overdoses.
– Fentanyl was reclassified as a weapon under terrorism statutes.
Education campaigns such as “It Only Takes One” have expanded outreach through ambassadors at colleges across Virginia as well as training events statewide targeting high-risk areas.
Since July 2022,the state distributed over 430000 dosesof naloxone,a medication usedto reverse opioid overdoses.More than97000 people received trainingfromthe Departmentof Behavioral Healthand Developmental Services.Additional trainers were certifiedto further spread knowledgeon overdose response techniques.
Officials say these combined strategies contributed tothe marked reductionin death ratesand renewed callsfor continued vigilanceagainst synthetic opioids.
