United States Drug Enforcement Administration

DETROIT - On Friday, August 21, 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will join Facing Fentanyl, to unite families, communities, and organizations across the country in recognizing National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. 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.  

"Every day that I walk into DEA Headquarters, I am reminded of the enormous toll of the fentanyl crisis. Thousands of faces make up DEA's Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit, and each month we receive hundreds of new photos,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “I've also 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." 

The Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit is a representation of the faces of Americans – all ages, all races, and all backgrounds – who have been lost to the synthetic opioid crisis. More than 7,000 photos are displayed throughout the exhibit, which was enhanced last year by the addition of a new, interactive online exhibit, which is accessible at dea.gov/facesoffentanyl.  

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. 

During a recent Fentanyl Free America enforcement surge, the DEA Detroit Field Division seized more than 17 kilograms of fentanyl -- representing 8.5 million potential deadly doses.  In addition, more than 2,500 counterfeit prescription pills, 142 guns, $2.6 million in cash and assets were seized, and 176 individuals were arrested.

“On August 21 we recognize National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. We pause to remember the lives lost to this deadly drug and reaffirm our commitment to protecting communities from the fentanyl crisis,” said DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon. 

“It is that commitment that is reflected in the results of this recent enforcement surge. Our Fentanyl Free America campaign is DEA’s charge to protect the United States from opioids, by disrupting the fentanyl supply chain and reducing its availability, but it is more than seizures and arrests—it is about saving American lives.”

The DEA Museum and Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit are located at 700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Va., 22202. If you would like to submit a photo of a loved one lost to fentanyl, please visit the Faces of Fentanyl web page, click on Add a Photo to the Exhibit | Faces of Fentanyl and follow the instructions. 

For more information about fentanyl and how you can join the fight, visit Fentanyl Free America | DEA.gov and One Pill Can Kill. DEA resources are all available for public use.  

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