WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will join families, communities and organizations across the country Friday to recognize National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day and remember those who have died from fentanyl poisoning.
The Aug. 21 observance, held in partnership with Facing Fentanyl, marks the fifth anniversary of the national awareness day. This year’s theme, “Power of the Parent,” highlights the role parents and families can play in raising awareness and helping protect loved ones.
As part of the observance, the DEA Museum and its Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit in Arlington, Virginia, will have extended hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
“Every day that I walk into DEA Headquarters, I am reminded of the enormous toll of the fentanyl crisis. Thousands of faces make up DEA’s Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit, and each month we receive hundreds of new photos,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “I’ve also met remarkable parents who have turned their grief into action – educating communities, advocating for change, and saving lives. Parents are our most powerful allies in this fight, and together, we will build a Fentanyl Free America.”
The Faces of Fentanyl memorial honors people of different ages, races and backgrounds who have died during the synthetic opioid crisis. More than 7,000 photographs are displayed in the exhibit, according to the DEA. An interactive version is also available online.
The agency said fentanyl-related deaths have declined in recent years, but fentanyl remains a significant public health threat.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the DEA. The agency says about 2 milligrams — an amount comparable to a few grains of salt — can be a potentially lethal dose.
The DEA also warned that illicit fentanyl is being pressed into counterfeit pills designed to resemble prescription medications such as oxycodone, Xanax and Percocet. Fentanyl can also be mixed with cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, meaning people may consume it without knowing it is present.
The agency said medications obtained from licensed and accredited medical professionals are the only safe medications.
The DEA Museum and Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit are located at 700 Army Navy Drive in Arlington. Families who have lost a loved one to fentanyl can also submit a photograph for inclusion in the memorial through the DEA’s Faces of Fentanyl website.
Additional information about fentanyl, prevention efforts and educational resources is available through the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America and One Pill Can Kill initiatives.
