08-05-2025
An urgent effort to cure the fentanyl crisis
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — At 59-years-old, Michael Marshall is a long way from the boy who started selling drugs when he was 18. At 25, he was locked up for second-degree murder.
During his 13 years behind bars, Marshall tackled his addiction, earned his general education diploma and completed the human services program at the University of Phoenix. He also authored a book, 'Once Upon a Time,' which chronicles how he escaped his past. He left prison at 38 with a determination to take back the community of Hampton Roads from the generations of dysfunction that are fueled by poverty, crime and broken homes.
Marshall remains close to the community and has witnessed the aftermath of what happens when a productive member of society falls to fentanyl.
'It could be someone who used to be a cheerleader or someone who was an outstanding ball football player,' Marshall said. 'We don't know who it may be, who the next child will be.'
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin this week announced tougher penalties for dealers. Lindwood Williams, founder of Cleaning Up The Streets, said the plan won't cure the crisis.
Youngkin signs bipartisan bills to charge fentanyl dealers with involuntary manslaughter if the drugs they sell cause an overdose
'To me, it's more of getting out in the community and actually reaching and finding out what these young men need,' Marshall said. 'These older people need [help] because it's more than just a stiffer penalty. Because when the penalty comes, it's too late.'
Armed with street credibility and a degree, Marshall, Williams an other experts will host a fentanyl education seminar in Portsmouth this weekend. Here's why:
'So what I want to say everyone that is listening or watching or hearing me speak today, I want you to take a moment and pause and really think about how impacting fentanyl has been,' Marshall said. 'Fentanyl only takes a small milligrams to end your life. Every time that you pick up any type of illicit illegal drug, it's like playing Russian roulette with your life.'
The fentanyl awareness event takes place at noon Saturday, May 17 at 2880 Airline Blvd. The event is free and open to the public.
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