A Monumental Step Forward: Fentanyl Awareness Day Officially Declared in Virginia
- Matthew Boone
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
On April 29, 2025, history was made in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin officially declared Fentanyl Awareness Day, marking a critical moment in the fight against the opioid epidemic. We were beyond honored that our Founder and CEO, Jill Cichowicz, was invited to participate in this powerful and deeply personal day of action, advocacy, and progress.
During the event, Governor Youngkin shared promising news: new data from the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows a 44% decrease in fentanyl-related overdose deaths year over year, and a more than 46% decrease from the peak in 2021. These numbers are more than statistics — they are proof that our efforts are making an impact.
This progress is a result of unwavering dedication from organizations, community members, families, and individuals across Virginia who are fighting every day to save lives and break the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.
A special thank you to First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, and the entire team behind the "It Only Takes One" campaign for their relentless focus on education, prevention, and support. By raising awareness, opening real dialogue, and providing REVIVE! Training with Narcan distribution, they are giving people the tools to recognize and respond to overdoses — and that is saving lives.
At 2 End The Stigma, we are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these champions of change. This declaration is a monumental step, but we know there is still much more to be done. We remain steadfast in our mission, driven by the memory of Scott Zebrowski, and committed to building a future where hope outweighs stigma and recovery is always possible.
You can learn more about this historic day and the record numbers announced by Governor Youngkin here: LEARN MORE
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