Jason Miyares, the Attorney General of Virginia, said that the state leads the nation in reducing fatal overdoses but emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to protect communities from fentanyl. The statement was made on X.
“Today, on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, I’m proud that Virginia has become the national leader in reducing fatal overdoses,” said Jason Stuart Redding Miyares, Virginia State Executive – Attorney General. “But the fight isn’t over—learn how to protect yourself and your community.”
In 2025, Virginia leaders reported significant progress in combating fentanyl following initiatives such as “Operation Free Virginia” and statewide education campaigns. According to the Governor’s Office, overdose deaths decreased by 44% year-over-year and more than 46% since their peak in 2021. This positions Virginia as one of the first states to demonstrate a sustained decline in fentanyl fatalities while expanding treatment, prevention, and awareness programs.
Data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) indicates that overdose deaths fell sharply from 2,463 in 2023 to 1,403 in 2024, marking a 43% decline largely attributed to reduced fentanyl fatalities. VDH reports that while final verification is pending, this preliminary data represents the steepest one-year decrease in overdose deaths in Virginia’s history, reflecting the impact of targeted interventions and prevention campaigns.
National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Virginia ranked among the best-performing states in 2024, with opioid overdose deaths declining by 35% or more compared to single-digit declines in many other states. According to the CDC’s provisional release, Virginia’s reduction placed it in the top tier nationwide, underscoring how state-level enforcement and prevention strategies have produced measurable outcomes against fentanyl.
Miyares has served as Virginia’s Attorney General since 2022 and is noted as both the first Latino and first Republican to hold this position since 2009. According to his office, he previously served in the House of Delegates and as a prosecutor in Virginia Beach. His policy focus includes public safety, fentanyl prevention, law enforcement partnerships, consumer protection, and participation in national conservative legal circles.
