A resolution to designate February 23, 2025, to March 1, 2025, as "National Fentanyl Awareness Week" to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, support law enforcement and treatment organizations, and encourage safe medication practices.
Rick Scott
Senator
FL
This resolution supports the designation of February 23, 2025, to March 1, 2025, as "National Fentanyl Awareness Week" to highlight the dangers and negative impacts of fentanyl in the United States. It acknowledges the alarming number of overdose deaths caused by fentanyl and seeks to raise awareness about the drug's presence in other substances. The resolution commends law enforcement and treatment organizations for their efforts and encourages safe medication practices and seeking help for substance use disorder.
Fentanyl Awareness Week Set for Feb 23-Mar 1, 2025: New Resolution Aims to Combat Deadly Crisis
Here's the deal: Congress just greenlit a resolution to make February 23-March 1, 2025, "National Fentanyl Awareness Week." This isn't just another made-up holiday—it's a direct response to the insane number of lives being lost to fentanyl overdoses across the country.
Facing the Fentanyl Crisis
This resolution is all about shining a spotlight on how serious the fentanyl problem has become. We're talking over 86,678 lives lost to drug overdoses in the 12 months leading up to August 2024 alone. And it's hitting everyone—life expectancy is down, and even folks over 65 saw an 11.4% jump in overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023. Fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin, is often hidden in fake pills, making it the deadliest drug threat out there. The resolution points out that most of these drugs come from Mexico, made with chemicals from China.
Turning Awareness into Action
So, what does this Awareness Week actually do? It's about getting the word out, big time. The resolution applauds the work of law enforcement, like the DEA, who seized over 367,000,000 potentially deadly doses of fentanyl in 2024, and Customs and Border Protection, who grabbed over 21,889 pounds of fentanyl in fiscal year 2024. It also gives a shout-out to treatment and recovery organizations that are helping people get clean. This is a push to remind everyone to stick to their own prescriptions only—and if you're struggling with substance use, to reach out for help.
Real Talk on Real Impacts
This isn't just about stats; it's about real people. Fentanyl-related poisonings are the number one cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. Think about that—it's hitting our friends, our coworkers, maybe even family. This resolution is a step toward making sure people know the risks and where to get help. Whether you're working a 9-to-5, running your own business, or pulling shifts on a construction site, this affects all of us. The goal is to cut down on the stigma around substance use disorder and make it easier for people to find treatment and support.
###The Bottom Line
This resolution is a solid move to raise awareness and support the folks on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis. It’s a reminder of the serious risks and a push for everyone to be more aware and proactive. By setting aside a week to focus on fentanyl, the hope is to save lives and help communities get a handle on this deadly problem.