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It Only Takes One
The First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin’s
Fentanyl Awareness Initiative
September 2025 Newsletter
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Dear Friends,
September has been a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together — from the conversations we’ve shared to the life-saving actions taking place on campuses and in communities across Virginia.
| |  | First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin met with leaders of Virginia Tech’s chapter of Morgan’s Message during Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting efforts to support student-athlete mental health. | | |
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On August 21st, National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, we launched the Fentanyl College Ambassador Program at James Madison University. Since then, students across the Commonwealth have stepped up to lead the fight against fentanyl. To each of you who have joined this mission — thank you. Your courage to educate peers, share resources, and distribute naloxone is saving lives.
September was both National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month, and we are seeing powerful examples of recovery, resilience, and hope in action. Every conversation, every REVIVE! opioid overdose and naloxone training, and every outreach event helps break stigma and remind those struggling that they are not alone — and that help is available.
Our work continues, and the momentum is strong. I look forward to even more opportunities, conversations, and stories from campuses and communities across Virginia this fall. Together, we are building a culture of care and connection — and making a difference.
With gratitude,
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Suzanne S. Youngkin
First Lady of Virginia
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FLOVA Visits James Madison University:
Launching the Fentanyl College Ambassador Program
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On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin traveled to James Madison University to officially launch the Fentanyl College Ambassador Program, an exciting expansion of her It Only Takes One initiative.
At a campus reception, the First Lady and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly joined JMU leaders, student organizations, and community partners for an evening of education and engagement. Students received REVIVE! naloxone training from ResQED, a student-led overdose prevention group, and shared powerful stories about how fentanyl has impacted their lives.
| | | Later that evening, the First Lady joined JMU President Jim Schmidt at the JMU men’s soccer game to share the message beyond the reception. During halftime, JMU students formed a giant “1” on the field — symbolizing that it only takes one person to make a difference — as the First Lady shared her “why” for leading this effort and encouraged students to take action to protect their communities. | | |
The College Ambassador program launch was a huge success. Catch the highlights in this quick video.
đź”— Watch the video
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Media outlets across Virginia highlighted the launch of the Fentanyl College Ambassador Program at JMU and the First Lady’s call to action for students.
Read and watch coverage of the event here:
| | Calling All Fentanyl College Ambassadors! | | |
Be the one who makes a difference. Following the launch of the Fentanyl College Ambassador Program at James Madison University, It Only Takes One is continuing to recruit student leaders from campuses across Virginia. Ambassadors play a vital role in educating peers about the dangers of fentanyl, expanding access to REVIVE! training and Narcan, and sparking lifesaving conversations.
Students and campus leaders can access the Campus Activation Toolkit — packed with ready-to-use resources, social media content, and event ideas — at ItOnlyTakesOne.Virginia.gov/College.
Join us and take action on your campus: Sign up to become a Fentanyl College Ambassador today and help lead the fight against fentanyl. Share the toolkit with friends, clubs, and student leaders so together we can save lives across the Commonwealth.
| | Supporting Student Well-Being at Virginia Tech | | |
At Virginia Tech’s Equitation Barn Sunrise Wellness Chat — hosted by the Equestrian Team, Morgan’s Message, and the S.A.F.E. Club — Hokie Wellness provided resources to help students care for their mental health and connect to support when needed. First Lady Youngkin joined student-athletes at the event, encouraging open conversations and underscoring the It Only Takes One call to action.
The message resonated strongly with student-athletes, who often feel pressure to push through pain — both physical and emotional. By sharing tools, encouragement, and access to care, Hokie Wellness empowers students to prioritize their well-being without stigma or silence. Together with partners like Morgan’s Message, Hokie Wellness reminds students that whether it’s reaching out to a peer, counselor, or trusted program, it only takes one to spark hope and healing.
| | Stay Connected: Upcoming Events | | |
The It Only Takes One initiative is on the move — from campuses to communities — sparking meaningful conversations and sharing lifesaving resources across Virginia. Each month, First Lady Youngkin and our partners meet with students, families, and local leaders to shine a light on the dangers of fentanyl and spread a message of hope and prevention.
We invite you to stay connected by visiting our News and Events page, where you can explore recent media coverage, photos, and highlights from past events. Be sure to check the Upcoming Events section regularly to see where the initiative will be next — and make plans to join us.
Bring a friend, share your story, and help spread the word that together, we can save lives.
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Student Voices:
Taylor Blount’s Impact at Longwood University
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From Taylor:
At Longwood, I serve as a Fentanyl College Ambassador, where I focus on educating my peers about the dangers of fentanyl and the resources available to prevent overdoses. Earlier this semester, I had the privilege of speaking to more than 1,000 freshmen during orientation, sharing both prevention strategies and the importance of looking out for one another. I am also helping organize a campus-wide fentanyl awareness event in collaboration with Hampden-Sydney College, which will allow for discussion and education on the initiative.
Through this work, I’ve seen how impactful open conversations can be in encouraging students to take prevention seriously and feel empowered to use life-saving tools like Narcan. I’ve noticed that when students are educated about the dangers of fentanyl, they begin to understand the seriousness of the crisis and recognize how they, too, can play a role in protecting their community.
It has been an honor to serve in this role, and I am especially grateful to the First Lady, Mrs. Suzanne Youngkin, for her leadership and example in advancing this initiative. My experiences as an Ambassador, along with my fellowship in the Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin, have deepened my passion for public service. I am truly blessed to learn from such faith-driven, kind-hearted leaders and to contribute to work that has such a meaningful impact.
Taylor Blount
Longwood University
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FLOVA Joins Illume Family Recovery:
Film Screening and Panel
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In honor of National Recovery Month, First Lady Youngkin joined Illume Family Recovery at Richmond’s historic Byrd Theatre for a screening of Together: Family Recovery. The powerful documentary follows three families on their journeys of healing, growth, and compassion as they walk alongside their loved ones in recovery.
Following the film, the First Lady participated in a panel discussion with Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Commissioner Nelson Smith, Illume leadership, and recovery advocates. Together, they shared messages of hope, practical strategies for supporting loved ones, and the importance of family involvement in long-term recovery.
As one parent shared, “We stopped being reactive and became more aware of how we needed to show up in our relationship with our son. Just like our son, we have been on a personal growth journey that has brought us closer as a family.”
Illume Family Recovery provides education, coaching, and support groups for families affected by substance use, helping them communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, and create a strong foundation for their own well-being and their loved one’s recovery.
đź”— Learn more about Illume Family Recovery
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Chesterfield Recovery Academy:
FLOVA Visit Highlights Hope and Healing
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This month, First Lady Youngkin visited Chesterfield Recovery Academy, meeting with school leaders and hearing powerful stories from parents, students, and community partners. Her visit highlighted the Academy’s life-changing impact and the hope it brings to young people in recovery.
Virginia’s first recovery high school, Chesterfield Recovery Academy serves central Virginia students in early recovery from substance use disorders. Opened in August 2022, the Academy combines academics, emotional support, and flexibility for internships or jobs to help students stay on track to graduate and build a healthy future.
đź”— Learn more about Chesterfield Recovery Academy
| | Nonprofit Spotlight: Illume Family Recovery | | |
Illume Family Recovery shines the light of love on family recovery by offering a safe place for families affected by a loved one’s substance use to gather, learn, and heal. Through education, support groups, and community, Illume equips families with tools to set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and support their loved one without losing sight of their own well-being.
đź”— Support their work
| | Become a Fentanyl Family Ambassador | | |
If you’ve lost a loved one to fentanyl, your story can help save lives. The Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program equips participants with tools to raise awareness and advocate for change through storytelling, monthly awareness events, and ready-to-use materials.
đź”— Sign up
| | Become a Fentanyl College Ambassador | | |
Do you want to make a difference on your campus? The Fentanyl College Ambassador Program empowers students to lead peer-to-peer education, share resources, and host events that raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. Ambassadors receive training, materials, and support to bring lifesaving conversations and REVIVE! training to their schools.
đź”— Sign up to be a College Ambassador and access the Campus Activation Toolkit
| | Honor a Loved One by Adding them to our Memorial Wall | |
The Memorial Wall is a sacred space to honor lives lost to fentanyl poisoning. If you would like to add a name to the wall, we invite you to share your loved one’s information with us.
đź”— Submit a name to the Memorial Wall
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The fight against fentanyl starts with awareness and action. Join the movement by taking the pledge to talk with the young people in your life about the dangers of fentanyl. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or caregiver, your voice can make a difference. By having open, honest conversations, we can protect our youth and prevent unnecessary tragedies.
Help us spread the word — encourage your friends, family, and community to take the pledge and explore resources available on the It Only Takes One website. Learn how to start the conversation, find support, and access life-saving training. Together, we can create a safer future for Virginia’s youth. Take the pledge today!
đź”— Find resources and sign the pledge
| | Keep Up with the First Lady and Virginia’s Behavioral Health Transformation, Right Help, Right Now | | | | |
Register for First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin's newsletters!
📩 It Only Takes One Newsletter – Raising awareness and taking action against the fentanyl crisis.
📩 W+g Newsletter – Supporting women and families through key initiatives, resources, and engagement opportunities.
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Register for Governor Glenn Youngkin’s behavioral health transformation newsletter!
📩 Right Help, Right Now Newsletter – Expanding mental health care, strengthening crisis response, and improving community services.
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