The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – Today, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, alongside Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly and Senator Todd Pillion, hosted a series of REVIVE! training sessions for Virginia legislators, aides, professional staff, lobbyists, and all those who shape and support the work of Capitol Square. At this event, participants received hands-on training in administering Naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote, as well as education materials to reinforce the Commonwealth’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis.
As part of this event, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin unveiled expanded website resources to promote overdose education and increase access to life-saving resources as part of her It Only Takes One initiative.
“Saving lives starts with awareness and action,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “By expanding access to REVIVE! training and vital resources through the It Only Takes One initiative, we are empowering Virginians to be part of the solution. Together, we are strengthening communities, supporting families, and turning the tide on the opioid crisis.”
“Partnering with First Lady Suzanne Youngkin on the REVIVE! Training initiative is a critical step in equipping Virginians with the knowledge and tools to save lives,” said Senator Todd Pillion. “By expanding access to Naloxone and empowering our communities, we are not only combating the opioid crisis but fostering a culture of care and compassion. Together, we are ensuring that no one is left behind in this fight, and that every Virginian has the opportunity to be a lifeline in moments of need.”
“Opioid overdoses can happen anytime, anywhere — REVIVE! Training empowers Virginians to save lives,” said the Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “We encourage individuals, workplaces, and community groups to get trained and host sessions to expand this life-saving knowledge. The more people prepared to respond, the stronger and safer our communities will be.”
The First Lady, Senator Pillion, and Secretary Kelly participated in the 10:30 a.m. Rapid REVIVE! Training sessions, specifically offered to legislators, aides, professional staff, lobbyists, and more to build on the efforts of last year where more than 40 members of the General Assembly were trained in one day. The training, led by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), equipped participants with knowledge on opioid overdose prevention, risk factors, and emergency response. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and DBHDS distributed Naloxone kits, REVIVE! pouches, and harm-reduction materials to increase community preparedness.
The gathering was part of an ongoing, statewide rollout of It Only Takes One — a Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth-led partnership with the First Lady’s office that includes a multi-faceted campaign to provide Virginians with accessible opioid prevention and response resources. For the first time in more than five years, Virginia’s overdose deaths decreased in 2024 underscoring the importance of education and prevention efforts like It Only Takes One.
To expand the reach of the It Only Takes One initiative across college and university campuses, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin announced the launch of a Student Ambassador Program to equip student leaders with the training and resources needed to administer naloxone and save lives, with University of Virginia alumus, Virginia Pillion, serving as the first Student Ambassador. Students interested in learning more information and how to get involved should contact ItOnlyTakesOne@governor.
For more information on REVIVE! Training, Naloxone access, and the It Only Takes One initiative, visit www.ItOnlyTakesOne.Virginia.
