(Washington) The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will join families and communities nationwide Friday, August 21, to recognize National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.
Now in its fifth year, the observance honors those who have died from fentanyl poisoning. This year’s theme, “Power of the Parent,” highlights the role parents and families play in raising awareness and protecting loved ones.
In a message released by the DEA, DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said he meets people every day whose lives have been impacted by fentanyl. He called it a hidden danger that you cannot see, taste, or smell.
The DEA will extend the hours of its museum and Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit in Arlington, Virginia, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. The exhibit features more than 7,000 photos of Americans who have died from the synthetic opioid crisis.
The DEA says fentanyl-related deaths have declined in recent years, but fentanyl remains a major threat. The agency warns that the drug can be found in counterfeit pills made to look like prescription medications and mixed with other illegal drugs.
Fentanyl is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The DEA also warns that many people who are poisoned by fentanyl do not know they are taking it.
The DEA encourages the public to learn more about fentanyl and help spread awareness by using the hashtag #FentanylAwarenessDay on social media.
