HAMPTON, VA (December 3, 2024) – On November 14, 2024, the School of Liberal Arts and Education, known for its commitment to addressing health disparities, social justice and community engagement, hosted a critical dialogue on the alarming rise of fentanyl overdoses. The event featured First Lady Suzanne Youngkin and representatives from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and was part of the First Lady’s campaign to raise awareness about the opioid crisis.
It Only Takes One Campaign
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares announced the launch of the Fentanyl Awareness Pilot Program at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia.
The first-of-its-kind, Virginia Department of Health awareness initiative is being implemented with support from the First Lady of Virginia and the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) in partnership with Attorney General Miyares’ ‘One Pill Can Kill’ campaign.
The campaign strives to warn parents and caregivers that “it only takes one.” One bad decision, one counterfeit pill can cost a life. An average of five Virginians die from fentanyl poisoning every day, becoming the leading cause of unnatural death in the Commonwealth. Since 2019, deaths have more than doubled in the Roanoke region.
By bringing this conversation to Hampton University, the initiative highlights the importance of equipping students and future leaders with knowledge and resources to protect themselves, their peers, and the future communities that they will serve as healthcare professionals, therapists, counselors, and more.
A recent CDC Vital Signs report revealed that overdose death rates (particularly due to fentanyl and other opioids) surged by 44 percent among Black Americans and 39 percent among American Indian and Alaska Native Americans in 2020. The report, which utilized drug overdose data from 25 states and the District of Columbia, also highlighted that overdose rates for White Americans are reaching historic highs.
“This opioid crisis is destroying the lives of individuals and having devastating impacts on children and families and our communities. As with other health disparities, Black American are being disproportionately impacted. There are also significant differences in access to healthcare and a prevailing mistrust in many vulnerable communities, which can worsen inequities, even when treatment is available,” stated Dr. Linda Malone-Colon, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Education.
“As an institution dedicated to empowering our students as leaders both on and off campus, it is crucial that we address the urgent issue of fentanyl overdoses and raise awareness within our community,” said First Lady Myra R. Williams. “With fentanyl-related deaths increasing by 30 percent in Virginia, it’s vital that we provide our students with the tools and support they need to navigate these challenges.”
Equipping the NextGen with Knowledge
This event brought together Hampton University honors students studying psychology, criminal justice, and sociology to engage in urgent discussions regarding prevention, education, and support, with a particular focus on the increasing dangers of fentanyl use.
“The scourge of fentanyl overdoses is a public health emergency that touches every community,” said First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. “By educating and empowering students at Hampton University, we’re taking an essential step toward prevention and equipping this generation with the tools to save lives and advocate for change.”
First Lady Youngkin spoke passionately to the students about the importance of raising awareness regarding illicitly manufactured fentanyl and the need to reduce stigma surrounding treatment and recovery. Emphasizing the relevance of studying drug use, mental health concerns, and inequalities across the disciplines of psychology, criminal justice, and sociology, she encouraged students to play an active role in supporting harm reduction initiatives and improving education about the risks of substance use, particularly in communities that have been disproportionately affected.
The Virginia Department of Health presented startling statistics about the opioid crisis and led an interactive session on the dangers of fentanyl, emphasizing its prevalence in counterfeit prescription drugs and recreational substances. Students also learned about the lifesaving potential of naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), a medication that reverses opioid overdoses.
Working with Lead Project Coordinator Adam Hess of VDH, students heard firsthand about the personal experience of health professionals about the deadly risks involved with fentanyl exposure.
“It was incredibly encouraging to see the Hampton U. students’ interest concerning fentanyl poisoning awareness and lifesaving response training,” said Hess. “Their eagerness to learn, and to take action, will lead to many saved lives.”
Ashanti Kincannon, health equity specialist with the Portsmouth Health Department said, “As a Master REVIVE trainer and Health Equity Specialist, I’ve seen the critical need for opioid education on college campuses and in the Black community. With our harm reduction approach, we meet students where they are, using language they understand to raise awareness about Narcan and the dangers of fentanyl.”
The Portsmouth Health Department has several initiatives to help with the fentanyl crisis in Virginia.
“In Portsmouth, our Overdose Prevention team provides Narcan training in high-risk areas, but the crisis continues due to systemic barriers and health disparities.”
Two-Pronged Approach: Interactive and Practical Learning
The program offered a dynamic, hands-on approach to understanding and addressing the opioid crisis. Health experts led an engaging Fentanyl Awareness Presentation, where they discussed the rising prevalence of fentanyl, its extreme potency, and the deadly risks associated with even minute doses. Participants were also shown lifesaving techniques, including current health precautions to take in the event of an overdose.
A powerful Personal Stories panel followed, where individuals directly impacted by the opioid crisis shared their experiences. These emotional stories highlighted the human cost of the epidemic and underscored the importance of community awareness and action in combating this public health threat. Representatives from VDH also provided crisis training to the students on naloxone, a life-saving overdose reversal drug, to enhance access to harm reduction services.
Dr. Malone-Colon emphasized “the importance of increasing awareness of this crisis and its broad catastrophic impact as well as seeking and finding long-term and collective solutions. Integrating substance abuse awareness and the impact of drugs on the family with accessible mental health services and efforts to dismantle the presence of harmful drugs in the community requires a multifaceted approach that includes the behavioral and social sciences, the arts and education. Only then will we be able to effectively address the fentanyl overdose crisis in our beloved communities.”
This two-pronged approach reflects a best practice for psychology education and interventions, combining informative learning with personal insights, equipping students with practical knowledge to help make a meaningful impact in their communities.
“Hampton University’s wellness focus and programs, including our real-talk Town Halls with students, the President and me, ensure that we not only provide education but also facilitate open dialogue that leads to meaningful change,” said First Lady Williams, a psychology major while a student at Hampton University. “I’m proud to help lead this important conversation and to contribute to the solutions that will protect our students and future leaders.”
Anchoring Your Wellness
Hampton University places a priority on holistic wellness, recognizing that student success is rooted in both academic achievement and personal well-being. Central to this commitment is the SheCare Wellness Pod, a groundbreaking initiative that offers students a private and supportive space to engage in mental health and self-care practices. Equipped with guided meditation tools, relaxation resources, and access to on-demand counseling, the SheCare Wellness Pod provides an accessible and stigma-free environment where students can address stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Programs like the SheCare Wellness Pod and designated Wellness Days exemplify the University’s dedication to fostering a culture of wellness. These initiatives encourage students to prioritize self-care and mindfulness, complementing Hampton’s focus on academic rigor, innovation, and community engagement. Additionally, Hampton University continuously evaluates and enhances its student success measures, ensuring that academic support, career readiness, and personal development resources align with the evolving needs of its diverse student body.
By integrating wellness into the fabric of campus life, Hampton creates an inclusive environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Through these efforts, Hampton University continues to transform lives, uplift communities, and empower its students, faculty, and alumni to reach their highest potential.
About Hampton University
Hampton University, nestled along the scenic shores of Hampton, Virginia, is a dynamic historically Black institution with a storied legacy of academic excellence, pioneering research, and dedicated community service. Here, students discover an empowering environment that fuels their ambitions, nurtures their potential, and inspires them to rise, lead, and excel.
Founded in 1868, Hampton combines a robust liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on scientific and professional disciplines, offering a wide range of distinctive programs, including leading-edge degrees in STEM, business, arts, and health sciences. The University is at the forefront of research in areas such as atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity, driving innovation that impacts the world. Additionally, the newly launched School of Religion stands out as the first HBCU to offer a doctoral degree in theology, religious studies, and ministry. Contributing $530 million annually to both the regional and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s economy, Hampton plays a vital role in regional development while championing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.
Recognized by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Colleges in America” and honored by Coastal Virginia as the “Best Private College,” Hampton University is a close-knit community of learners and educators representing 44 states and 32 territories and nations. Committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, Hampton prepares its students to lead and thrive in an evolving world. For more information, visit www.hamptonu.edu.
For media inquiries, please contact Mahogany Waldon in the Office of University Relations, at mahogany.waldon@hamptonu.edu or 757-727-5987.
