Richmond, Va. – Jill Cichowicz is among the many Americans affected by the fentanyl crisis. In 2017, her twin brother, Scott Zebrowski, died after unknowingly taking a pill laced with fentanyl. Scott had become addicted to oxycontin following an injury and thought he was getting a safe pill from a friend.
After he died, we had to look up what fentanyl was, Jill said.
Now fully aware of the dangers, Jill works to prevent similar tragedies through her non-profit, 2 End the Stigma.
Her efforts led her to collaborate with Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, who launched the It Only Takes One program earlier this year. Initially a pilot in Roanoke, the program is expanding statewide with funding from the state budget. It focuses on social media campaigns encouraging families to discuss the dangers of fentanyl.
The issue is critical across the Commonwealth, said Governor Glenn Youngkin. We have 10 targeted communities, but the entire state is suffering.
During a recent event, Jill and other affected families participated in announcing the Fentanyl Family Ambassador program. This initiative will train families who have lost loved ones to raise awareness in their communities.
This aligns perfectly with our mission, Jill said. We hope to get our program into every school across the state and beyond.
In Virginia, fentanyl deaths peaked in 2021 and have been declining since. Jill urges parents to talk to their children now.
Start the conversation. It may be awkward, but it’s better than burying your child, she advised.