By Kristy Tallman, June 29, 2024
ASHBURN, Va. — The deadly danger of fentanyl took center stage Wednesday evening in Loudoun County as Virginia first lady Suzanne Youngkin led a forum aimed at raising awareness of the illegal substance and overdose risks.
Concerned parents sat in the sanctuary of the Community Church in Ashburn to hear experts describe the scope of the problem and what they can do to keep their children safe.
“Right now, we are undergoing the biggest drug threat that this country has ever faced. Fentanyl is the biggest threat to Americans. Two-hundred people a day die from fentanyl poisonings. These aren’t overdoses, they are poisonings,” said Shane Todd, a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
From left to right, parent Jennifer Breaux, first lady Suzanne Youngkin, AG Jason Miyares, Sheriff Mike Chapman, and DEA agent Shane Todd at a “One Pill Can Kill” forum on Tuesday night. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
Attorney General Jason Miyares has been traveling the state to host “One Pill Can Kill” forums, which urge parents to talk to their children about the deadly risks of street drugs. Youngkin joined Miyares on stage Wednesday. She also runs a fentanyl awareness campaign: “It Only Takes One.”