DEA Joins with Families Across the Country to Increase Awareness about the Dangers of Fentanyl
NEWARK, N.J. – This week the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosted regional family summits across the country in support of those who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning, and have gone on to form foundations or organizations in their loved ones memories.
This is the first undertaking of its kind for the DEA field divisions and builds off the momentum of this summer’s Inaugural Family Summit hosted at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA.
“I am truly inspired by those families who attended the New Jersey family summit and were able to turn their pain and grief into action,” said Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New Jersey Division Susan A. Gibson. “This summit allowed for new partnerships to be formed between DEA and these organizations. I look forward to working with them collaboratively in the future.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 107,622 people died by drug poisoning in the United States in 2021. A majority of drug poisoning deaths are attributed to synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.
The DEA regional family summits gather families who are passionate about saving lives through increased public awareness of fentanyl. These summits allow DEA to listen and learn from families as they share their personal stories. Additionally, the summits provide participants information on national drug threats and resources available to enhance local prevention efforts.
If you are interested in information on how to get involved in future events please complete the Advocates for Change form and submit it to familyoutreach@dea.gov.
DEA has resources available to help parents and care givers talk to kids about the dangers of drug use. You can also visit the Get Smart About Drugs website.
If you or someone you know needs help with substance use or mental health disorders, please visit DEA’s Recovery Resources page for list of resources.
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