Opinion
By Target Liberty
5/6/25
The fight against the deadly fentanyl crisis is intensifying, with Virginia leading the charge through ambitious initiatives and legal measures.
Quick Takes
- Virginia’s “It Only Takes One” campaign aims to educate and prevent fentanyl overdoses.
- Innovative solutions like ZEM Life’s overdose-detecting smartwatch are emerging.
- Virginia reports a significant decline in drug overdose deaths.
- Fentanyl overdose cases highlight the need for national attention and action.
Virginia’s Proactive Measures
The tragic story of Steve Muth and his son Zachary, who succumbed to a fentanyl overdose in February 2021, underscores the urgency of tackling the opioid crisis. Muth has since turned his grief into advocacy, emphasizing that fentanyl overdoses can impact anyone, regardless of their background. Virginia, with Governor Glenn Youngkin at the helm, has implemented strategies including the “It Only Takes One” campaign to educate parents about fentanyl’s dangers.
Governor Youngkin, supported by First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, has introduced laws targeting the drug epidemic. These initiatives have led to Virginia witnessing a remarkable decline in drug-related deaths. The state’s Operation FREE collaborates with law enforcement to halt the flow of narcotics, resulting in significant seizures.
Innovations in the Fight
Beyond government interventions, new technologies are on the horizon. Steve Muth co-founded ZEM Life, a startup developing a smartwatch designed to detect overdoses and administer Narcan, providing critical aid during emergency situations. Statewide installations of Narcan and fentanyl testing strip vending machines form part of this multi-faceted approach.
Read the full article here: https://targetliberty.org/state-tackles-opioid-epidemic-with-groundbreaking-campaign/
The views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Citizens Journal Florida.
