United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CENTENNIAL, CO – The Drug Enforcement Administration's Rocky Mountain Field Division (RMFD) joins families and first responders in recognizing August 21 as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. We are proud to once again join Colorado-based Facing Fentanyl, to unite families, communities, and organizations across the country. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the national observance which honors and remembers the lives lost to fentanyl poisoning.  

This year’s theme, “Power of the Parent,” recognizes the critical role parents and families play in shaping conversations, raising awareness, and helping protect loved ones. Their voices make a meaningful impact: One Nation. One Fight. Facing Fentanyl. Together.  

"The number of fentanyl-related deaths and families impacted is almost unfathomable," said DEA RMFD Acting Special Agent in Charge Miguel Chino. "Despite our non-stop enforcement efforts, 200-plus Americans die due to opioids like fentanyl every single day. It's unacceptable." 

For those in the Denver metro area, we encourage families and media members to join us beginning around 6:00 p.m. in downtown Denver at the City and County Building, which will be lit in blue around dusk in honor of those impacted by the fentanyl crisis.

WHO: DEA RMFD leadership, families who have lost a loved one to fentanyl

WHAT: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day

WHEN: Friday, August 21 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street Denver 80202

This day serves as a nationwide call to action to increase awareness to the highly addictive and dangerous drugs containing fentanyl that continue to drive the opioid epidemic and take lives. 

“I've 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," said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. 

Fentanyl-related deaths have declined over the past several years, yet fentanyl remains the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45 years old. Last year, DEA intensified its fight against the deadly threat of synthetic opioids with the launch of its Fentanyl Free America initiative. 

DEA urges the public to remain cognizant of the extreme threat of fentanyl in our communities: 

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.  
• Just two milligrams, the equivalent of a few grains of salt, is a potentially lethal dose. 
• The Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG, both designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in 2025, are pressing fentanyl into counterfeit pills that look like prescription medications – such as oxycodone, Xanax, and Percocet – as well as mixing fentanyl powder with cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.  
• Many of the people poisoned by fentanyl had no idea they were even taking it. 
• The only safe medications are ones that come from licensed and accredited medical professionals. 

Help spread awareness about the dangers of fentanyl by posting a photo on social media using the hashtag #FentanylAwarenessDay.