COLUMBUS, Ohio — Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, joining a chorus of voices dedicated to educating the public about the grave dangers posed by the drug.
As drug overdose rates continue to surge across the United States, the spotlight is on the lethal threat of fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is alarmingly potent — a mere two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal. In 2024 alone, Drug Enforcement Agency Fentanyl Seizures represented over 93.7 million potentially deadly doses.
DEA officials say their agency is committed to raising public awareness about the perils of fentanyl poisoning. Their campaign, “One Pill Can Kill,” provides vital resources on the hazards of counterfeit pills. The “Faces of Fentanyl” exhibit pays tribute to those who have tragically lost their lives to fentanyl poisoning.
In Ohio, the fight against fentanyl is particularly urgent. Preliminary data for 2023, updated on Jan. 2, 2024, shows a concerning trend of fluctuating overdose deaths1. While deaths in 2022 were initially trending lower than in 2021, the fourth quarter of 2022 surpassed that of 2021 and was the highest fourth quarter ever recorded in Ohio1.
The DEA invites everyone to participate in raising fentanyl awareness. By educating ourselves and engaging in conversations about the dangers of fentanyl, we can help save lives and combat this escalating crisis.