United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SALT LAKE CITY  – On October 19, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rocky Mountain Field Division, in partnership with the State of Utah’s Office of the Attorney General and with the support of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, hosted a Family Summit for those who have lost a loved one to a fentanyl poisoning or overdose. 

A dozen families from across the state, and one father from Kentucky, attended today’s summit, which provided a forum to learn more about the current state of the fentanyl crisis and discuss resources needed to save lives. More importantly, this event provided state and federal leaders the opportunity to hear from families about ways to help elevate local prevention, education, treatment and enforcement efforts.

“We appreciate all the families that joined us today to share their story and honor their loved ones. It is these tough conversations that help us, as law enforcement, better understand what we can do with our resources to save lives,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge David Olesky of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division. “Fentanyl is the greatest drug threat facing our country and today underscored the importance of awareness and collaboration as we work to reverse the course of the current poisoning and overdose epidemic.”

“Almost all of us know someone – a family member, a friend, or a neighbor – who has been affected by the terrible scourge of opioid overdose, especially from fentanyl.  These deaths have torn apart families, schools and communities, and we grieve for the loss of so much life, talent and goodness,” said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes. “I greatly appreciate our partnership with the DEA and other federal agencies, who work with us tirelessly to eliminate these devastating drugs from our homes and streets and increase awareness about how to keep our loved ones safe. The Utah Attorney General’s Office will continue to be vigilant and proactive in combatting these illicit drugs and enforcing state laws against dealers and smugglers who sow death and destruction in our communities.”

“The families here today, and too many others, have been devastated by fentanyl trafficking. Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “We will continue to work with law enforcement to investigate, prosecute, and hold responsible those who distribute this poison in our communities.”

Participants heard from narcotics officers, state and federal prosecutors, and prevention and advocacy experts. They were provided an update on Utah’s Opioid Task Force and the state’s strategy moving forward. 

The event was moderated by Prevent+Ed Executive Director Nichole Dawsey. Prevent+Ed is a leading prevention organization that uses education, intervention and advocacy to mitigate the harms of drug and alcohol use. 

Drug-related deaths are killing Americans at an unprecedented rate.  Last year alone, it is predicted that 110,757 people died from a drug poisoning, with fentanyl driving this record increase.  541 lives were lost in Utah last year to a drug overdose.  Opioids, such as fentanyl, contributed to 74% of those deaths. 

The Family Summit in Utah comes just weeks after DEA’s National Family Summit in Arlington, VA.  Opening remarks from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram from that event can be viewed here.

Visit DEA’s Family Summits on Fentanyl to learn more about this event. 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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