Virginia First Lady Highlights State's Fentanyl Prevention

(The Roanoke Star) Thursday, First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin joined Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton and local leaders at the Eanes-Pittman Safety Training Center in Chesterfield County to highlight the region’s innovative and community-led efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis. The event is part of the First Lady’s It Only Takes One initiative, which brings attention to the dangers of fentanyl and empowers local communities with tools for prevention, intervention, and recovery.

A testament to the impact of sustained prevention efforts, new data from the Virginia Department of Health shows fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Virginia have declined by 44% year-over-year and are down more than 46% from their peak in 2021. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Virginia leads the nation in the percentage decline in drug overdose deaths between November 2023 and November 2024. In Chesterfield specifically, fentanyl overdose deaths are down 49.3% since 2023.

“Chesterfield is a shining example of what is possible when a caring, convicted community mobilizes supports and services for the vulnerable,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Limiting fatal overdoses to single digits in 2024, Chesterfield’s efforts are saving lives – underscoring the fact that it only takes one conversation, one resource, or one leader to spark meaningful change.”

The Chesterfield event spotlighted a range of local programs and partnerships designed to prevent overdoses and expand access to recovery tools. Community members, first responders, school leaders, and peer recovery specialists came together to share their stories and strategies for creating a more resilient and informed region.

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