This resolution supports National Fentanyl Awareness Day to increase public awareness about the deadly threat of counterfeit fentanyl pills, especially to young people.
Brittany Pettersen
Representative
CO-7
This resolution officially supports the goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day to increase public awareness regarding the deadly threat of counterfeit fentanyl pills. It highlights the alarming rise in fake pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl that are tragically impacting families and young people across the nation. The measure encourages federal, state, and local agencies to use existing authorities to combat the spread of these illicit counterfeit drugs.
Congress Backs 2025 Fentanyl Awareness Day to Combat Fake Pill Crisis
This resolution is Congress officially throwing its support behind National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025. It’s not a new law or a funding bill; it’s a formal statement recognizing the massive public health threat posed by counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Essentially, the House is using its platform to shine a massive spotlight on the fact that drug dealers are making fake versions of common prescription drugs—like Xanax or Adderall—that are secretly packed with lethal doses of fentanyl.
The Real Danger: Pills That Kill
If you’re wondering why Congress is spending time on an awareness day, the numbers are grim. The resolution lays out the facts: law enforcement is finding that about 5 out of every 10 counterfeit fentanyl pills contain a lethal dose (2 milligrams or more). These fake pills are showing up in every state and are often sold easily via social media, which makes them terrifyingly accessible to young people. For busy parents, this means that any pill not sourced directly from a pharmacy should be treated as potentially deadly, because the risk of accidental overdose is skyrocketing.
Hitting Close to Home for Young Adults
This crisis is hitting the 15-to-35 age bracket the hardest. The resolution notes that illicit fentanyl is now involved in more deaths among youth than all other drug types combined. Between 2019 and 2021, overdose deaths for 14- to 18-year-olds jumped 128%, with fentanyl involvement increasing by 236% in that same group. The core problem this awareness day aims to fix is the massive knowledge gap: in 2024, only about 65% of youth were even aware that fentanyl was being used to make these counterfeit pills. This resolution is a clear push to close that gap and potentially save lives through education.
A Call to Action, Not a New Mandate
Beyond recognizing the awareness day, the resolution does two other things. First, it formally commends Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies for their efforts on the front lines against these counterfeit pills. Second, it encourages government agencies to use the powers they already have to stop the spread of these illegal substances. This means the DEA, Customs, and other relevant agencies are being told to use their existing tools—like interdiction and investigation—to tackle the problem head-on. For the average person, this resolution reinforces that the fight against these deadly fakes remains a top national priority, even if it doesn't immediately change any rules or regulations.