DEA Washington Division Holds Second Annual Family Summit on Fentanyl
WASHINGTON, DC – On October 6, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division hosted their 2nd Family Summit in support of those who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
The Summit was very emotional and educational to all those who attended. During his opening remarks Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget mentioned that “as a concerned father and a DEA Special Agent, I am deeply honored to host this event today, where we can come together and make a positive impact on our community. At DEA, we recognize that we can do more by connecting with the people affected by violent drug trafficking organizations that are pushing deadly drugs such as fentanyl into our neighborhoods, tricking our youth into consuming fentanyl and fake pills, harnessing the accessibility and anonymity of social media, and breaking apart our families… your families.”
Throughout the day, the attendees heard remarks from DEA Washington Division leadership; shared personal experiences, and listened to the stories and experiences of other families; made connections and peer-to-peer support; got acquainted with updated information regarding the current Fentanyl Poisoning Crisis and current drug threats; interacted with mental health professionals to familiarized with strategies to foster optimism, build meaningful connections, find purpose, and achieve a sense of accomplishments; explored tools and best practices for finding one's voice using social media platforms; and engaged with experts to learn about practical tools to save lives - to include Narcan kits to take home. US Attorneys, including Jessica Aber of the Eastern District of Virginia, Matt Graves of the District of Columbia, and Erek Barron of the District of Maryland, discussed the steps being taken in the litigation field to combat the harmful effects of the fentanyl crisis in the DMV region.
The highlight of the event was the session, “This is Our Story- Honoring Memories,” where family representatives shared their stories, experiences, and concerns, including Ms. Paula Lynch who talked about losing her daughter Diamond, a young mother who died of a fentanyl overdose linked to a fake oxycodone pill. In June 2023, Larry Jerome Eastman, 23, of Temple Hills, Maryland, and his sister, Justice Michelle Eastman, 26, of Washington, D.C., were sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. The Defendants sold fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to Ms. Lynch, causing an overdose and her death, she was 20 years old*.
SAC Forget thanked the families for their courage and for “trusting us with your memories. Your voices and stories are powerful, and they can make a difference as we continue to educate our communities about the dangers of fentanyl.”
Also, Ms. Chelsea Curtis, sister to deceased twin brothers Scott and Steven and a DOJ employee, stated, "Substance Use Disorder has affected every single person in my immediate family…Special thank you to DEA Washington D.C., for hosting this Family Summit. Every year, I find more purpose and more drive to continue the work we all are committed to. I am thankful for the families I meet each year and the relationships that are coming from it." Ms. Curtis supports federal prosecutors in cases related to narcotics trafficking and money laundering. She has transformed her experience into advocacy and educates students, parents, and the community about the dangers of opioids and prescription drugs.
On September 25 and 26, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration hosted the second national DEA Family Summit on Fentanyl for families from across the country who have experienced the profound loss of a child due to a drug poisoning. U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram delivered the opening remarks where the Attorney General announced $345 million in grants to combat fentanyl (DEA Holds Second Annual Family Summit on Fentanyl.)
During October, DEA field divisions across the country are hosting regional Family Summits in their community to bring together families who have lost loved ones to drug poisonings or overdoses, federal partners, and community prevention groups. These families are working to prevent others from experiencing the tragic loss of a loved one that they have experienced. These local summits will provide opportunities to share information, build connections, and foster collaboration between family groups, DEA, and other key sectors of their local community.
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. Likewise, DEA has resources for anyone who needs help with substance use or mental health disorders, please visit DEA’s Recovery Resources.
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