WHEREAS, together, we can help save lives by making sure Alaskans are aware of the dangers of fentanyl, working with law enforcement to prevent drugs from coming into Alaska and reducing stigma so people can find resources to prevent overdose deaths, connect to treatment and being healing; and
WHEREAS, Alaska is experiencing a sharp and tragic surge in drug overdose deaths, according to preliminary 2021 data, we have seen a 71 percent increase in overdose deaths from 2020 to 2021. It takes a minimal amount of fentanyl to cause an overdose, and the amount of fentanyl that can kill can fit on the tip of a pencil. One pill can kill; and
WHEREAS, fentanyl is a high-addictive synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. It is made legally and used pharmaceutically, but has also become a prevalent substance in counterfeit pills and is frequently added to other substances such as heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; and
WHEREAS, the fentanyl epidemic in the United States is a serious public safety threat with illicit fentanyl poisoning rates currently at the highest level in history and now the number one cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 45; and
WHEREAS, it is becoming more common for individuals to unknowingly use fentanyl which has led to the Drug Enforcement Agency issuing a public safety alert seeking to raise the awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim August 21, 2022 as:
Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to take a proactive role in educating themselves on the dangers of fentanyl. Overdose deaths are preventable if we take action together. Please report any suspected illegal drug trafficking or other crime tips to the Alaska State Troopers by texting the keyword AKTIPS, followed by your crime tip to 847411.
Dated: August 21, 2022
