United States Drug Enforcement Administration

New York - 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.  

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.

"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.  

DEA Northeast Associate Chief of Operations Frank Tarentino and Special Agents and staff from the DEA New York Enforcement Division and the New York Task Force Division participated in various events with Facing Fentanyl and The Black Poster Project throughout New York City on Thursday, August 20th and today, August 21st. These events included a press conference in Times Square, a memorial and poster display at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a celebration for the life and legacy of Carol Egan, founder of the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall, and a gathering at Chelsea Pier's Pier 57.   

“National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day reminds us that behind every life lost to fentanyl is a family, a community, and a story that must never be forgotten,” stated DEA Northeast Region Associate Chief of Operations Frank Tarentino. “Across the Northeast, DEA stands united with parents, families, and our law enforcement and community partners in confronting the deadly threat of fentanyl. The ‘Power of the Parent’ is the power to educate, to have difficult conversations, and ultimately to save lives. DEA continues working every day toward one shared goal, a Fentanyl Free America.”

“Parents are often the first line of defense in protecting our children from the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “A single conversation can provide the knowledge that saves a life. On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, we honor the lives taken by fentanyl poisoning and stand with the families who have turned unimaginable loss into action. DEA New York remains steadfast in raising awareness, educating our communities, and stopping the deadly drugs that threaten our families.”

“Fentanyl does not discriminate—it reaches into every neighborhood, every community, and families from every walk of life,” stated DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “Today, we remember the lives stolen by fentanyl poisoning, but remembrance must also drive action. By empowering parents with information and giving families a voice, we can prevent another family from experiencing that loss. DEA New York, alongside our law enforcement and community partners, will continue fighting to keep fentanyl off our streets and out of our homes.”

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. 

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. 

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