Since our initial letter in August 2022, the crisis has escalated, with devastating consequences for families nationwide. In 2023, the rate of Fentanyl-related deaths increased to one every 5 minutes, and the staggering loss of life underscores the urgent continuing need for comprehensive action to address the Fentanyl scourge. In 2023 The National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day August 21st Resolution was unanimously signed and accepted by the Senate and is now observed annually. This acknowledgment represents a historical step forward in raising awareness about the dangers of illicit Fentanyl and honoring the memory of those we have lost.

However, despite this recognition, the crisis persists unabated. We continue to urge The President and Congress not only to acknowledge the ongoing devastation caused by illicit Fentanyl but also to prioritize the implementation of measures to combat its proliferation. This includes holding accountable those involved in the production of illicit Fentanyl precursors. The synthetic drug market continues to become more deadly. Substances 10 to 800 times more potent than illicit Fentanyl have emerged and are magnifying death rates, adding Humanitarian Crisis to the list of National Security and Public Health