The second annual National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day™ was on Monday, August 21, 2023. Established by the not-for-profit organization, Facing Fentanyl™. This day was set aside to remember loved ones lost to overdoses involving illegally made fentanyl, raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, and share ways to prevent fatal overdose. Illegally made fentanyl is a growing threat in the United States and is a major factor in fatal drug overdoses. Nearly 200 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like illegally made fentanyl. Of note this year, fentanyl mixed with xylazine (a sedative not approved for human use) has been declared an emerging threat in the U.S. due to its impact on the opioid crisis. Xylazine has the potential to be life-threatening, especially when combined with opioids like fentanyl, and has been increasingly detected in the U.S. illegal drug supply. CDC has sharable resources available to help educate and protect the public from overdoses involving fentanyl. Resources include factsheets, videos, and social media content, that explain the dangers of fentanyl and ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Take action and save lives. Learn more about illegally made fentanyl, fentanyl test strips, and how to use naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.
For more information about National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness DayTM, visit https://facingfentanylnow.org/.