
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Christian Martinez, Christian.Martinez@governor.virginia.gov | Office of the First Lady: Lori Massengill, lori.massengill@governor.virginia.gov
First Lady of Virginia Warns George Mason University Student Athletes of the Dangers of Fentanyl
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First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly with George Mason University Student Athletes on October 17, 2024, at George Mason University in Fairfax. |
FAIRFAX, VA—Yesterday, First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly joined George Mason University (GMU) student-athletes for a candid conversation about the fentanyl crisis. This discussion marks the first of a series of similar community forums being planned across the Commonwealth as part of the First Lady’s “It Only Takes One” initiative, which launched statewide in August after completing a successful pilot in the city of Roanoke earlier this year. “The fentanyl crisis touches every corner of the Commonwealth,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “We know that ‘It Only Takes One’ counterfeit pill made to look like prescribed medicine but laced with fentanyl to take a life. But it only takes one important discussion like the one happening yesterday at George Mason University to protect lives. I’m deeply appreciative to the GMU leadership, students, faculty and health care professionals taking proactive steps toward safety on Virginia’s college campuses and beyond.” According to the Virginia Department of Health, an average of 1,500 Virginians die per year from fentanyl overdoses; nearly 200 of them are teens and college-aged kids. Almost all fentanyl overdoses (90%) are accidental because people don’t realize the pills they’ve taken are illicitly manufactured and laced with fentanyl. But it only takes one, salt-sized grain to kill a person instantly. “Parents and caregivers need to understand that these transactions are not happening in dark alleyways,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “Social media makes it easy to find and purchase prescription drugs online and have them delivered to your doorstep. The message we want students to hear loud and clear is to get their medication from a pharmacist, not the Internet or from a friend.” As an important part of the forum, parents of a college-aged Virginian who unknowingly took a pill that he thought was Percocet but was laced with deadly fentanyl, shared their family’s story and engaged with students. “On September 2, 2020, my husband and I experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. Three Fairfax County police officers rang our doorbell. The lead officer announced to us that our son, Greyson Cole Mazich had passed,” said Delaine Mazich. “When the report finally came, the cause of death was 100% fentanyl. Nothing else. Whatever pill Grey had taken that night to sleep was 100% fentanyl.” The Drug Enforcement Administration has reported that drug traffickers are increasingly using social media platforms to expand their reach and target young people. Dealers leverage these channels to advertise, connect, and sell fake prescription drugs online. The “It Only Takes One” initiative aims to empower Virginians with life-saving information about fentanyl. It has required a multi-agency approach to break down stigma, counter misconceptions and equip communities with information and resources to ensure Virginians are aware of the inherent risks, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. To date, more than 800 GMU staff have received REVIVE! training, and an opioid overdose reversal program. The university has also ensured Narcan is available in every building on its campus. Add any additional steps GMU is taking to raise awareness or increase prevention. “In sports, we know that one play can change the game,” said Marvin Lewis, Assistant Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at George Mason University. “With fentanyl, the stakes are much higher. One pill could end a life, but one person speaking up could save one. We are committed to stepping up as a team to do everything we can to inform and protect our students.” Since the “It Only Takes One” campaign first launched in 2024, the rate of fentanyl-related deaths has fallen for the first time in 5 years. The campaign has garnered bi-partisan support with 35 first spouses from across the country pledging to join the initiative. For more information about the campaign, visit ItOnlyTakesOne.Virginia.gov |
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First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly, and President of George Mason University Dr. Washington on October 17, 2024, at George Mason University in Fairfax. | First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin talking with George Mason University Student Athletes about the Dangers of Fentanyl on October 17, 2024, at George Mason University in Fairfax. |
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First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin talking with George Mason University Student Athletes about the Dangers of Fentanyl on October 17, 2024, at George Mason University in Fairfax. | First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly, and Assistant Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at George Mason University Marvin Lewis on October 17, 2024, at George Mason University in Fairfax. |
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