On November 14-15, 2024, the DEA hosted its third annual National Family Summit on Fentanyl in Washington, D.C., highlighting progress in combating fentanyl overdoses.
The event unveiled a 14.5% drop in overdose deaths and launched initiatives like the Together for Families network, offering families resources and support.
A Turning Point in the Fentanyl Crisis
At the summit, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram announced a groundbreaking 14.5% decrease in overdose deaths from June 2023 to June 2024, equating to over 14,000 lives saved. This milestone reflects intensified efforts to disrupt drug cartels and raise awareness about fentanyl’s dangers.
What’s Changing?
- The potency of fentanyl-laced pills has dropped significantly.
- Recent DEA tests show 5 in 10 pills contain lethal doses, down from 7 in 10 the previous year.
This progress suggests that the pressure on drug networks is working. While one death remains too many, these results inspire cautious optimism.
Faces of Fentanyl: Honoring Lives Lost
Since 2022, the Faces of Fentanyl exhibit has honored individuals lost to fentanyl poisoning. Displayed at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, the exhibit includes over 6,100 photographs submitted by families.
This year, a new interactive kiosk was added to the exhibit:
- It provides educational content about illicit fentanyl.
- Families can access personalized resources and memorials.
The exhibit remains open to the public, symbolizing the DEA’s commitment to humanizing this crisis.
Together for Families: A New National Network
The DEA introduced the Together for Families (TFF) Network, designed to extend summit efforts year-round. This initiative connects families to critical resources and creates a united front against drug misuse.
Focal Areas of TFF:
- Providing recovery support for those affected.
- Offering educational tools for prevention and response.
With TFF, families gain access to treatment connections, community programs, and actionable solutions to fight drug misuse.
DEA’s Commitment to Saving Lives
Administrator Milgram emphasized the ongoing battle against fentanyl, singling out the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels as primary sources of this epidemic. The DEA remains relentless in its mission to dismantle these networks and save lives.
Milgram also credited:
- Public health and safety professionals for increasing access to naloxone.
- Community organizations for raising awareness and supporting recovery.
Spotlight on Resources
To empower families further, the DEA offers online tools:
- Get Smart About Drugs: A resource for parents and educators.
- Recovery Resources: Comprehensive support for mental health and substance use recovery.
For in-person support, families are encouraged to visit the DEA Museum in Arlington to experience the Faces of Fentanyl exhibit and learn more about prevention strategies.
Resources at a Glance
| Resource | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Get Smart About Drugs | Educates on drug prevention | www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov |
| Recovery Resources | Connects families to treatment help | www.dea.gov/recovery |
| DEA Museum | Honors victims and raises awareness | www.deamuseum.org |
Signs of Progress and Hope
The 2024 DEA National Family Summit serves as a testament to the power of collective action. The drop in overdose deaths and reduced pill lethality provide measurable hope. Initiatives like TFF and the Faces of Fentanyl exhibit remind families that they are not alone in this fight.
Together, through advocacy, education, and enforcement, the nation takes significant strides toward a future free of fentanyl tragedies.
