Virginia Leads the Nation with Historic Drop in Fentanyl Overdose Deaths—Is This the Beginning of the End?

Earlier this week, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Virginia have declined by 44% year-over-year and are down more than 46% from their peak in 2021. This significant progress is based on data from the Virginia Department of Health Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and is further corroborated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reported that Virginia led the nation in year-over-year declines in drug overdose deaths between November 2023 and November 2024. The announcement was made on National Fentanyl Awareness Day, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

Nationally, fentanyl is driving an overdose crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 70,000 Americans annually in recent years. Fentanyl-related deaths have surged across the U.S., accounting for nearly two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths in 2023. The drug, which is 50 times more potent than heroin, is often illicitly manufactured and mixed with other substances, making it even more dangerous. Fentanyl is now responsible for more deaths annually than all other opioids combined, including prescription painkillers and heroin. According to the CDC, the national overdose death toll from fentanyl in 2023 exceeded 40,000 deaths, illustrating the growing magnitude of the crisis.

Governor Youngkin attributed Virginia’s success to a comprehensive strategy that has focused on disrupting the drug trade, enhancing penalties for drug dealers, educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl, and providing life-saving interventions like naloxone. “Overdose deaths skyrocketed across America and in Virginia, driven primarily by illicit fentanyl flowing across our southern border,” Governor Youngkin said. “In 2022, we launched a comprehensive effort to stop the scourge of fentanyl, and now Virginia is leading. Our approach is working, and Virginia’s success is a testament to the efforts of law enforcement, community partners, and individuals across the Commonwealth.”

A key component of Virginia’s strategy is Operation FREE, a collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that has led to the seizure of over 794 pounds of fentanyl—enough to potentially kill every Virginian 10 times over. The state also passed new laws, including a ban on pill presses, enhanced penalties for drug dealers, and a felony charge for those whose drugs result in overdose deaths. The Governor also emphasized the impact of these efforts, noting that law enforcement has been critical in curbing the flow of fentanyl into the state.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin has played a significant role in the fight against fentanyl through her It Only Takes One campaign. The initiative, aimed at educating parents, family members, and educators about the dangers of fentanyl, has reached thousands of Virginians and sparked important conversations on the issue. “It only takes one mistake to take a life, but one conversation or intervention can save a life,” First Lady Youngkin said, underscoring the campaign’s simple but powerful message.

The Governor also highlighted the importance of Virginia’s Right Help, Right Now initiative, which has distributed over 388,000 doses of naloxone and trained nearly 100,000 Virginians on how to use the life-saving medication. State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton expressed pride in these efforts, stating, “Every life saved is a victory. These numbers reflect the ongoing collaboration and dedication from all corners of the Commonwealth to reduce the devastating impact of fentanyl.”

While Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin acknowledge the progress made, they are committed to ensuring that the fight against fentanyl continues. “The fight is far from over,” Governor Youngkin said. “But these numbers show what we can achieve when we work together, and we will continue to build on this momentum to save more lives.”

Virginia’s success in reducing fentanyl overdose deaths serves as a beacon of hope for other states struggling with the opioid epidemic. Nationally, the fentanyl crisis shows no signs of slowing down. However, with continued cooperation and innovation in prevention, education, and enforcement, leaders across the country, including Virginia, are showing that meaningful change is possible. Much work remains to be done, but with collective efforts, we can continue to turn the tide in this national crisis.