Danette Scott, who lost her granddaughter to a suspected fentanyl overdose, emphasizes the urgent need for Washington officials to address the drug crisis.
In a chilling interview on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Danette Scott, whose granddaughter tragically succumbed to a suspected fentanyl overdose, implored Washington officials to take swift action in combating the deadly drug crisis.
Reflecting on her own harrowing experience with addiction, Christine Wright shared a sobering account of her journey that led her to the brink of tragedy. Incarcerated and shackled to the hospital bed during childbirth, Wright's battle with drug dependency reached its lowest point, but it also became a catalyst for her eventual redemption.
Today, Wright stands as a beacon of hope, having overcome her addiction and dedicating her life to helping others who struggle with substance abuse. As a behavioral health manager at the Bradley Free Clinic and an active participant in First Lady Suzanne Youngkin's "It Only Takes One" campaign, Wright's mission is crystal clear: to educate and empower individuals to avoid the devastating consequences of fentanyl.
Virginia faces a grim reality, with nearly 2,000 people dying from fentanyl or other synthetic opioid overdoses in 2022. Statistics paint a dire picture, with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seizing 74.5 million fentanyl pills in 2023, surpassing the staggering 58 million pills seized in 2022. Lab tests reveal that approximately seven out of ten pills seized by the DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Roanoke, Wright's hometown, bears the grim distinction of having the highest per capita fentanyl-related deaths and ranks among the top ten cities in the U.S. with the highest overdose death rates. Wright's personal brush with death serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of fentanyl.
After experimenting with recreational drugs as a teenager, Wright's dependency spiraled out of control, leading to the use of oxycodone, heroin, and meth. Eventually, her addiction propelled her into a life of crime and despair.
In a moment of desperation, Wright used heroin that turned out to be laced with fentanyl. The overdose left her clinging to life, unable to move or speak, but painfully aware of her surroundings. It was a harrowing experience that could have ended tragically.
Inspired by her own recovery journey, Wright co-founded Four Truths Recovery Housing, an organization dedicated to providing safe and supportive housing for individuals recovering from addiction. The organization's first house in Roanoke was recently inaugurated, offering hope to those seeking a path to recovery.
First Lady Suzanne Youngkin's "It Only Takes One" campaign targets opioid addiction in Virginia through community education and training. The program empowers individuals with the knowledge and resources to recognize the signs of fentanyl use and administer lifesaving naloxone in overdose situations.
Attorney General Jason Miyares has launched the "One Pill Can Kill" campaign alongside "It Only Takes One" to educate Virginians about the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs and reduce opioid-related deaths.
Wright's message is one of hope and redemption. She believes that every life is precious and that it is never too late to break the cycle of addiction. Her unwavering commitment to helping others serves as a testament to the transformative power of recovery.
