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…