Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) today introduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. 

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21st aims to address the opioid crisis by raising awareness and remembering its victims. Synthetic opioids, including illicit fentanyl and fentanyl related substances, are devastating communities and families. In 2024, the fentanyl poisoning rate was among the highest in the United States’ history, representing the leading cause of death among adults aged 18 to 45. Last year, these illicit drugs claimed upwards of 82,100 lives.

“When it comes to fentanyl, just one pill can kill. In the last four years, fentanyl became the number one killer of Americans aged 15 to 45, and many do not know they’ve taken a lethal dose of fentanyl until it is too late. This poisoning epidemic cannot continue. As a pharmacist serving in Congress, I feel the call to raise awareness about the dangers of this illicit drug, which is exactly what this resolution does,” said Rep. Carter. 

"Far too many communities, neighborhoods, and families know the pain and devastation of losing someone to fentanyl overdose," said Rep. Tonko. "We are seeking to recognize Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day to forever enshrine those lost to this crisis and to serve as a reminder of the difficult but urgent work we must continue to do to address the disease of addiction and offer those struggling with hope and a path to recovery."

Rep. Carter recently successfully advocated for the installation of opioid reversal kits in House Office Buildings, using the U.S. Capitol as a standard-bearer for access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal agent, that is safe, effective, and saves lives. 

Read full bill text here.

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