08/21/2026
● National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day ●
Today, and every day, we should be recognizing and bringing awareness to the dangers of fentanyl.
Fentanyl does not discriminate, and its dangers are not exclusive to people who knowingly use drugs. It is impacting our children, our friends, our families, and our communities. According to the DEA, fentanyl remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18–45.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve heard some incredibly impactful stories from parents and community members. Stories like, “My son had a headache and got a pill from a friend that ended up containing fentanyl.” We’ve heard stories of people who believed they were taking one substance, only to unknowingly take something containing fentanyl.
Our law enforcement officers and first responders also face potential exposure while responding to overdoses, conducting searches, and handling unknown substances and drug evidence.
■ Fentanyl affects far more than the person using it. Its impact reaches families, first responders, workplaces, and entire communities. ■
This is why it is so important to continue bringing awareness to our communities. This is why we need to educate our youth, parents, business owners, and community members about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and counterfeit pills.
And this is why it is so important to carry naloxone.
An overdose can happen when and where you least expect it. Having naloxone nearby means you have a tool that can help reverse an opioid overdose and give someone precious time until emergency help arrives.
You never know when you might be an important part of saving someone’s life.
