Virginia’s First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly visited Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) to hear paramedics share their front-line experiences with fentanyl overdoses in the Richmond region.

“Our first responders are on the front lines of combating the devastating impact of fentanyl poisoning,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Their insights inform how we can best save lives; and through partnerships with peer recovery specialists, these heroes offer educated intervention as well as long-term support to Virginians.” The visit highlighted Project RECOVER, which embeds Certified Peer Recovery Specialists in local emergency services to educate personnel about recovery and provide people in crisis with immediate support and connection to resources. Using their own experiences and challenges with addiction, peer recovery specialists give first responders a new perspective on patients who have been revived after suffering an overdose and what they may be experiencing at that moment.

“When paramedics respond to an overdose, the immediate crisis may be resolved, but the underlying need remains,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “Peer Recovery Specialists bridge that critical gap between emergency response and long-term recovery, offering hope and practical support when it’s needed most.”

Through partnerships with Chesterfield County Fire & EMS, Henrico County Fire & EMS, and the Richmond Police Department, Peer Recovery Specialists are embedded within these agencies to respond directly to overdose calls, providing resources, guidance, and continued support throughout the treatment and recovery process.

“Our Paramedics and EMTs are often the first to respond to overdose calls knowing that medical intervention is just the first step,” said Chip Decker, CEO of Richmond Ambulance Authority. “Through our work with Peer Recovery Specialists, who know firsthand the struggles our patients face, we have successfully connected individuals suffering from addiction with treatment and recovery resources.”

The visit is part of the First Lady’s “It Only Takes One” initiative, which emphasizes that while one pill laced with fentanyl can kill, just one conversation – or one connection to recovery support – can save a life. The “It Only Takes One” initiative is a partnership between the Office of the First Lady of Virginia and the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth and launched statewide this year to focus efforts in communities like Richmond where fentanyl overdose rates are more prevalent.  “After twenty-five years in the prevention field, we know education and support from peers is instrumental in encouraging better health outcomes,” said Marty Kilgore, Executive Director of Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. “We are proud to stand with Richmond Ambulance Authority as they provide this vital service to the community.”

According to the Virginia Department of Health, in 2023 there were 209 deaths from (all) drug overdose, for a death rate of 90.0 per 100,000 residents in Richmond.

For more information about fentanyl prevention resources and recovery support, visit ItOnlyTakesOne.Virginia.gov.