Youngkin: Fentanyl deaths down statewide

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced this week that Virginia is leading the nation in reducing drug overdose deaths, with new state and federal data showing a significant year-over-year decline. According to the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the Commonwealth fell by 44 percent over the past year and are down more than 46 percent from their 2021 peak. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Virginia posted the largest percentage drop in drug overdose deaths nationwide for the 12-month period ending in November 2024.

The announcement came on National Fentanyl Awareness Day and highlights the impact of the state’s multipronged response to the fentanyl crisis.

“Overdose deaths skyrocketed across America and in Virginia, driven primarily by illicit fentanyl flowing across our southern border,” said Governor Youngkin. “In 2022, we launched a comprehensive effort to stop the scourge of fentanyl. It’s working, and Virginia is leading.”

The Governor credited the progress to a four-part strategy: disrupting drug trafficking, enacting stricter laws, expanding public education, and increasing access to naloxone. Efforts include Operation FREE, a statewide law enforcement initiative that has seized large quantities of fentanyl; legislation banning pill presses and establishing tougher penalties for fatal overdoses caused by drug dealers; and the First Lady’s education campaign, It Only Takes One, which aims to raise awareness of fentanyl risks among families and educators.

As part of the Right Help, Right Now initiative, over 400,000 doses of naloxone have been distributed, and nearly 100,000 Virginians have been trained in its use.

While acknowledging that more work remains, Governor Youngkin expressed gratitude to state and federal partners, including law enforcement and advocacy groups. He also praised the contributions of the First Lady, Fentanyl Family Ambassadors, and those in recovery for their role in spreading awareness and saving lives.

“The It Only Takes One initiative has a simple message—it only takes one mistake to take a life, but one conversation or intervention to save a life,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Today we celebrate hope, progress, and the lives saved through these collective efforts.”