April 29th is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Fentanyl, when used in a medical environment, is dosed meticulously and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Illicit fentanyl is often mixed with other substances like cocaine, heroin, and counterfeit pressed pills. Many people who use fentanyl are not aware they are using fentanyl, because you cannot tell a substance that is not mixed with fentanyl from one that is. Over 60% of overdose deaths in 2023 were related to Fentanyl (drugabusestatistics.org).
To reduce overdose risk:
- Keep naloxone readily available.
- Avoid mixing substances.
- Never take pills that did not come from a licensed pharmacy and weren’t prescribed to you.
- Test substances for fentanyl.
You can learn more about Fentanyl in Makin’ It Happen and the Addiction Policy Forum’s on-demand virtual training here: Makin’ It Happen Course: Fentanyl Facts and Overdose Risk – Justice Community Overdose Innovation Network Coordination and Translation Center
Written by Anne Bonner | Marketing and Communications Lead | 4/25/2026.
