The Fentanyl Risk
This deadly opioid is now in illicit and recreational drugs across Virginia. Here is what to know.
It's Deadly
It takes just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl to snuff out a life.
It's Fast
When ingested, one can overdose in minutes.
It's Accessible
Dealers are using social media to reach young people with counterfeit drugs.
It's Everywhere
When tested, 5 in 10 counterfeit pills had fatal fentanyl doses.
It's in Everything
Fentanyl can be found in all types of counterfeit drugs—swallowed, injected or smoked.
Real vs. Fake Pills
Real prescription pill
Fake prescription pill
pills seized in the US by the DEA had lethal doses of fentanyl
stronger than heroin
salt-sized grains of fentanyl can be fatal
people have lost someone to overdose
fentanyl-related overdose deaths every day in Virgina
Fentanyl is stealing lives—one pill, one mistake, one moment.
In Virginia, nearly 1,500 lives are lost each year to this deadly drug, with an alarming number of victims being teens and young adults. What’s even more tragic? Most of these overdoses are accidental—young people unknowingly taking pills laced with fentanyl, never realizing that a single grain, as small as a salt crystal, could be fatal.
Richmond
On May 7, for National Fentanyl Awareness Day, the First Lady’s initiative, It Only Takes One, issued a challenge. We’re urging parents, teachers, coaches, and caregivers across the Commonwealth to talk with children and teens about the dangers of fentanyl. We must protect Virginia youth from overdose by starting a conversation about this deadly opioid.
Robert Natt describes the prevalence of fentanyl in our communities.
Robert Natt, Director of Roanoke Valley Collective Response, emphasizes the lack of awareness in communities regarding fentanyl's lethal potential. He expresses that support is readily available; no one needs to endure suffering alone.