Since its inception in 2023, National Naloxone Awareness Day is a time to acknowledge the danger of the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, as well as the importance of the opioid overdose reversal drug, naloxone. On this day, Virginians are reminded that on average three Virginians lose their life to fentanyl every day. However, it is also a moment to celebrate Virginia’s recently achieved, 44% year-over-year drop in fentanyl-related overdose deaths — among the most significant declines nationally — and a 46% decrease from its peak in 2021.
The CDC cites naloxone access as a primary driver behind the reduction in fentanyl deaths across the country. Here at home, REVIVE! community training programs that teach how to help someone recognize the symptoms of an overdose and confidently administer naloxone have been key in the distribution of nearly 400,000 doses of naloxone and training to approximately 100,000 individuals to administer it. Meanwhile, critical programs such as the Commonwealth’s transformational behavioral health and crisis care initiative, Right Help, Right Now, and the It Only Takes One fentanyl awareness campaign are changing attitudes and saving lives.
The numbers are absolutely moving in the right direction and that is no coincidence. The commonwealth has taken an aggressive and holistic approach that includes executive orders mandating focused law enforcement, naloxone distribution, mental health supports, cross-agency collaboration and other health initiatives.
The Virginia General Assembly has also played a key role. Senate Bill 726 stands out having expanded naloxone and overdose prevention planning into our public schools — something that had never before been done statewide. By bringing education and preparedness strategies about fentanyl, naloxone and opioid use prevention into schools, we’re equipping educators and students with the tools to respond and the knowledge to prevent.
Another critical piece of legislation was to make naloxone more accessible through community distribution and pharmacy standing orders. These laws are saving lives in both visible and quiet ways, allowing any Virginian access to free naloxone at local community services organizations or for purchase at pharmacies.
The combination of impactful legislation and initiatives like It Only Takes One has helped change the conversation around opioid use and overdoses, stressing that it only takes one life saved — or one act of prevention — to make a lasting impact. It has sparked tough but necessary conversations and encouraged more people to carry naloxone and seek help when they need it.
Further, It Only Takes One resources, combined with REVIVE! trainings, provide the tools necessary to prevent an overdose — educating Virginians young and old about the fact that naloxone only works on opioid overdoses, and causes no harm if given to someone in distress who turns out not to need it. Administering it buys precious time for first responders to arrive — and thanks to Virginia’s Good Samaritan Law, those who help are protected from prosecution when acting in good faith.
Naloxone is a proven tool to give someone a second chance. We are proud that Virginia is leading the nation in addressing substance use disorders and reducing fentanyl fatalities. Please join in the effort to save lives: itonlytakesone.virginia.gov.
Suzanne Youngkin is first lady of Virginia. State Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Washington County, is chairman of Virginia’s Opioid Abatement Authority.
