Saahiti Chamala/ Fourth Estate

The urgency behind the “It Only Takes One” campaign

BY SAAHITI CHAMALA, CULTURE EDITOR

In an exclusive interview with Fourth Estate on October 21st, first lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin opened up about her deeply personal motivation for launching the “It Only Takes One” campaign. “It Only Takes One” is an initiative aimed at addressing the growing fentanyl crisis across the state. 

The campaign was inspired by the loss experienced by close friends, Delaine and Tom Mazich. In 2020, the couple’s son died of a fentanyl overdose. “Their pain opened my eyes to the deadly risks of counterfeit pills, and I knew something had to be done,” Youngkin said. 

Virginia’s first lady emphasized the importance of reaching young people in ways that resonate with them, both on campus and through social media, as they are often the most vulnerable to misinformation about drug use. Younkin said that the campaign’s pilot phase in Roanoke, which successfully increased teen awareness of fentanyl dangers by 32%, demonstrated the effectiveness of using digital media to share powerful stories and statistics. “We saw real progress in just six months, but there is still so much more to do,” she said.

A key aspect of the campaign involves changing the way students approach conversations about health, safety and responsibility. “I hope to see students talking more openly about issues like anxiety, depression and the dangers of drugs like fentanyl. If we can normalize these discussions, we can help foster a culture of care and responsibility,” Younkin said.

When asked about the role of student-athletes in this initiative, the first lady said that they hold a unique position to influence their peers. “Student-athletes are natural leaders. Their voices carry weight on campus, and they often face pressure related to performance and injury recovery, which can make them vulnerable to opioid misuse. By using their platform, they can set an example and create a culture where looking out for each other becomes the norm.”

The conversation also touched on the power of personal stories, particularly those shared through the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program. The program aims to humanize the statistics and make the dangers of fentanyl more relatable. 

“When people hear about a family losing a loved one, it’s no longer just numbers on a screen. It becomes real, and it moves them in ways that facts alone cannot. These personal stories cut through the noise and make people realize that fentanyl poisoning can happen to anyone,” Youngkin said.

The first lady hopes that over time, fentanyl awareness will become as ingrained in daily conversations as other public safety measures like seatbelt use or alcohol awareness. “We want young people to be able to talk to their friends, parents, and teachers about these issues without fear or stigma. Removing the shame around addiction is critical, and it starts with having open, honest conversations.”

As part of the broader effort to reduce the stigma associated with drug addiction, her campaign aims to break down the barriers that often prevent people from seeking help. “We need to create spaces where people feel comfortable discussing their struggles, whether it’s addiction or mental health. No one should feel ashamed to ask for help.”

First lady Youngkin concluded the interview by encouraging Virginians to visit the campaign’s website, which offers valuable resources for students, parents and educators alike. She also emphasized the importance of Naloxone training, which she described as a simple yet life-saving measure. “This isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. We need to equip people with the tools they need to save lives.”

“It only takes one pill, one mistake, to change a life forever. But it also only takes one conversation, one intervention, to save that life,” emphasized Younkin.