DEA joins with families across the nation to increase awareness of fentanyl dangers

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),

Washington, D.C. - During the past 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. 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.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram delivered remarks at Thursday’s Family Summit in Washington, D.C.

“The Justice Department will never give up in our effort to protect American lives,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “We will continue to work tirelessly to get deadly drugs -- including fentanyl -- out of our communities. And through today’s Family Summit, we will help prevent future tragedies. Your stories and your participation are indispensable to the success of this effort. We are humbled to do this work alongside you, and we stand with you in honor of your loved ones.”

“The passion, commitment and incredible work these families are doing to prevent others from experiencing the profound pain of losing a loved one to a fentanyl poisoning inspires all of us at DEA," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. "They have made it their mission to save lives. Their efforts are, and will remain, an integral part of DEA’s outreach, prevention and education programs. The family summits are one of the ways DEA is working to meet this moment.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during 2021, 107,622 people died by drug poisoning in the United States. 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 the DEA to listen to and learn from families as they share their personal stories. The summits also provide participants with 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 visit www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/DEA_Family_Summit-Advocate_For_Change.pdf to obtain the Advocates for Change form, which should be completed and submitted by emsil to familyoutreach@dea.gov.

DEA has resources available to help parents and care givers talk to kids about the dangers of drug use here, www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/DEA-OPCK_Parent%20flyer_V6.pdf. You can also visit the Get Smart About Drugs website here, www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov.

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use or mental health disorders, please visit www.dea.gov/recovery-resources, for list of resources.