A timey crusade for compassion, action, education

As we recognize both National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21 and Nebraska Drug Overdose Awareness Week from August 25 to 31, it is critical that we stand in support of the efforts made by both the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division and Nebraska officials to combat the deadly opioid crisis. These initiatives serve as essential reminders of the life-threatening consequences associated with fentanyl and drug overdose while providing valuable education and resources to protect our communities. In a time where synthetic opioids have infiltrated every corner of the United States, this coordinated effort offers hope that with persistence, lives can be saved, and the tide can turn.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far more potent than heroin and morphine, has become a key driver of the opioid epidemic. It is inexpensive, widely available, and easily mixed with other illicit drugs, often unbeknownst to the user. This makes fentanyl uniquely dangerous, particularly to those who may be casually experimenting or using recreational drugs without knowing they are contaminated. Tragically, this dangerous drug is responsible for an alarming number of deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 107,000 people died from drug poisoning or overdose in the past year. With two milligrams of fentanyl—the equivalent of a few grains of salt — being potentially lethal, the threat is disturbingly real. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent thousands of families shattered by preventable deaths, highlighting the urgency of addressing this crisis.

The DEA’s Omaha Division has taken proactive steps by seizing over 1.6 million lethal doses of fentanyl this year, yet the scale of this issue calls for more than just law enforcement action. The fact that such a large amount of this lethal drug was intercepted is a testament to the hard work of the DEA, but it also demonstrates the sheer volume of fentanyl flooding into communities. Education is a cornerstone of the DEA’s mission, and awareness campaigns such as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day aim to inform people about the dangers of experimentation with this drug. The role of education cannot be overstated—it empowers individuals to make informed choices and fosters community-wide conversations that may prevent future tragedies. If even one life is saved by these efforts, it is a victory worth fighting for, but we must aim to save thousands more.

In Nebraska, the declaration of Drug Overdose Awareness Week by Gov. Jim Pillen underscores the importance of local involvement in addressing the crisis. While national initiatives are vital, the strength of grassroots efforts within states like Nebraska lies in their ability to directly engage with communities most affected by drug use. Organizations like the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, in partnership with groups like CenterPointe and Stop Overdose Nebraska, are working tirelessly to spread awareness, train people on the use of Narcan, and memorialize those lost to overdose. These organizations are on the front lines, often working with limited resources, but their efforts are making a difference. The placement of Narcan vending machines in Lincoln through a new pilot program also highlights innovative ways to increase access to life-saving treatments in high-risk communities. By making Narcan more accessible, these programs reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and equip individuals to act quickly in life-or-death situations.

We can all contribute to the solution. By educating ourselves and our loved ones, by spreading awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, and by supporting community efforts to prevent overdose, we can help reduce the impact of this crisis.

For help with addiction, visit or call:

https://findtreatment.gov/

https://tinyurl.com/287qnyq9

Nebraska Family Helpline: (888) 866-8660

Rural Response Hotline: (800) 464-0258