About It Only Takes ONE
It Only Takes One is the Commonwealth’s fentanyl awareness initiative, educating and reaching hundreds of thousands of Virginians since its launch in 2024.
Our Mission
Our mission is to address the fentanyl crisis through awareness, conversation, and education.
It Only Takes One exists to help Virginians understand a difficult truth: a single exposure to fentanyl can be deadly. Through clear information and practical tools, the initiative empowers youth, caregivers, and teachers to talk openly about risk, safety, and prevention before moment of curiosity turns into tragedy.
We believe informed caregivers and honest conversations can save lives.
Raising Awareness
Through education and outreach, It Only Takes One increases awareness about fentanyl and its presence in illicit drugs.
The website provides trusted, evidence-based resources for youth, teachers, parents, and caregivers, including information on counterfeit pills, overdose warning signs, naloxone use, and harm-reduction steps families can take to reduce risk.
Supporting Important Conversations
Prevention starts with communication.
It Only Takes One offers practical judgement-free guidance to help parents, caregivers, and teachers talk with youth about fentanyl. Resources include conversation starters, listening tips, and tools designed to support ongoing age-appropriate discussions with youth.
Behind the Initiative
It Only Takes One is the Commonwealth’s fentanyl awareness initiative, educating and reaching hundreds of thousands of Virginians since its launch in 2024.
Led by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY), a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, the initiative supports VFHY’s mission of empowering Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity.
Be Prepared
Learn how to help in an overdose situation.
Commit to Talk
Learn how to have the conversation that can save a life.
UNDERSTAND THE RISKS
Learn more about what makes fentanyl uniquely dangerous.
City of Roanoke pilot case study
The pilot program focused on spreading awareness about the drug’s deadly effects and painful impact on families throughout the City of Roanoke.
After its six-month pilot, the campaign’s ad content reached over 240,000 City of Roanoke adults with a teen or child in their lives. Familiarity with fentanyl increased by 12% among parents who saw ad content, and they reported being 55% more likely to initiate a conversation with their children about the deadly opioid. Over 500 adults signed the It Only Takes One pledge to talk to a teen about fentanyl before summer.
Teens who saw ad content themselves were 32% more familiar with fentanyl, 46% more aware that a single pill could cause death, and 24% more likely to know that fentanyl is found in illegal drugs. Perhaps most importantly, they reported a 136% increase in conversations with adults about the risks.
What Virginians Are Saying
"There is a way out"
Christine Wright recounts her personal experience with fentanyl-laced drugs.
Recovering addict now Behavioral Health Program Manager Christine Wright recounts her personal story of addiction, overdose and recovery. Hers is a story of caution due to the lethal potency of fentanyl, but also one of hope.
"Knowledge is power"
Jill Cichowicz remembers the loss of her twin brother to Fentanyl Toxicity.
Jill Cichowicz’s heartbreaking story depicts how quickly fentanyl can take a life and change the lives of everyone around them. Jill lost her twin brother to fentanyl toxicity from taking a pill trying to alleviate his back pain.
"Communicate with your kids"
Rev. Brenda Rowe shares her personal loss due to fentanyl poisoning.
Rev. Brenda Rowe lost her grandson to accidental fentanyl poisoning in 2023. It can happen in a moment. It can happen to anyone. Her message is one of awareness, communication, and honestly. Have a conversation with a young person in your life.