Facing Fentanyl:
A national movement
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National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day August 21
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day was established by Facing Fentanyl and affected families across the country to remember the lives lost to illicit fentanyl poisoning and to educate the public about the ongoing danger of this crisis. Observed every year on August 21st, this day serves as a nationwide call to action, to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and save lives. Illicit fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced.
This day unites families, first responders, prevention advocates, educators, elected officials, and communities in every state. Together, we share facts, honor those we've lost, and take action to protect others. Events are held nationwide, from memorials and educational forums to social media campaigns and policy discussions.
August 21 is more than a date, it's a promise to educate, prevent, and fight for a future free from fentanyl poisoning.
Fentanyl
A Grain of Death
Illicit fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams, about the size of a few grains of salt, can be lethal. It is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, and it kills at an unprecedented rate.
Where It Comes From
Illicit fentanyl is made in China, where chemical companies, subsidized by the CCP, produce and ship fentanyl precursors abroad. The precursors are sent to Mexico, where cartels process fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills. Then the drugs are trafficked into the U.S. through mail, border smuggling, and trade loopholes.
How It Took Hold in the U.S.
Fentanyl entered the U.S. drug supply quietly, disguised in counterfeit pills and laced into heroin, cocaine, and meth. It is now the leading cause of drug-related deaths. Cartels including Sinaloa and CJNG dominate this market, making fentanyl widespread and easily available.
It's in Nearly Every Street Drug
Illicit fentanyl is being mixed into fake pills like Xanax, Adderall, and Oxycodone, and into drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin-often without the user knowing. It's cheap, potent, and deadly. If it didn't come from a licensed pharmacy, you can't trust it. One pill, one time, is all it takes to die.
Addiction and Death at Unthinkable Rates
Over 100,000 drug-related deaths occur annually in the U.S., and the majority now involve fentanyl. This powerful synthetic opioid claiming lives at an alarming rate. All demographics are affected. Fentanyl's reach is widespread and its impact is devastating across every community.
The Mission Is Clear
At Facing Fentanyl, we are dedicated to combating the illicit fentanyl epidemic and other emerging deadly drugs that continue to devastate families and communities across the United States. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration with law enforcement, health organizations, and policymakers, we work to raise awareness, promote recovery, and prevent fentanyl-related deaths.
Our mission focuses on taking decisive action to dismantle the dangerous practices of China's CCP in facilitating the export of toxic precursors used to produce fentanyl and other deadly opioids. We stand firm in our commitment to safeguarding American lives by exposing and eliminating these illicit networks, advocating for stronger international controls, and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
Portfolio
POISONINGS VS. OVERDOSE
Illicit Fentanyl educators are using the term poisoning instead of overdose. It is important to understand what illicit fentanyl does to the body and the stigma surrounding the term 'overdose'. Overdose suggests that an excessive amount of something has been used. We want the public to understand that there is no safe dose of illicit fentanyl. 2 mg (equal in size to a few grains of salt) can kill, and the drug is so powerful that addiction can begin from first use. For those reasons, we move forward with the term poisoning on this site. We encourage the Associated Press to do the same. We understand that the term 'overdose' will take time to globally change. We encourage you to share the message about the dangers of fentanyl and not let one word vs. another stop you from educating others about the dangers of illicit fentanyl.
NATIONAL FENTANYL PREVENTION AND AWARENESS DAY
On August 21st, thousands of affected families across America come together to spread awareness and prevention of the dangers of illicit fentanyl. We plead to our government to hear us as we cry for help to save lives. Fentanyl is the leading killer in the United States. Illicit fentanyl is killing an entire generation of people. It is a national security issue and a public health crisis. We are not just numbers- we are parents, siblings, children, and friends who have buried our loved ones. This crisis demands urgent action, accountability, and a united effort to stop the supply and protect future lives.
FEDERAL AGENCIES LIKE DEA IN SUPPORT OF IMPACTED FAMILIES
Drug overdoses nationwide have reached record highs due to fentanyl, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has identified two cartels deliberately targeting Americans. In this CBS Mornings segment, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram discusses the dangers of synthetic fentanyl and how the agency is intensifying efforts to dismantle these trafficking networks. Importantly, Milgram also acknowledges National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, observed on August 21, and recognizes the families across the nation who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning. This public support from federal agencies like the DEA sends a powerful message: families are not alone, and their advocacy is making a difference.