08/21/2026
August 21 is now officially designated as Fentanyl Awareness & Education Day in Florida, and now nationally.
Why it matters:
‼️ Fentanyl is a powerful, synthetic opioid, 50 to 100 times stronger than he**in or morphine. It’s often mixed into street drugs or counterfeit pills, sometimes without users even knowing.
‼️ Illicit fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.
‼️ An estimated 77,600 overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in the year ending March 2025, with most involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
How you can help prevent tragedy:
✅ Lead with empathy. Addiction is complex – support recovery, not shame.
✅ Carry naloxone (Narcan) and learn the signs of overdose: pinpoint pupils, limp body, slowed or stopped breathing, or choking sounds.
✅ Assume risk. Never trust pills, powders, or substances not prescribed to you – even one can be fatal.
✅ Talk openly. Have kind, judgement-free conversations with loved ones about the risks of fentanyl, especially in unprescribed pills.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, you’re not alone, and help is available.
⚠️ In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
⚠️ Need support or treatment? Call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit FindTreatment.go.
⚠️ If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7).
Let’s use Fentanyl Awareness & Education Day to protect lives, spread facts, and strengthen our community.