WHEREAS, fentanyl is a highly 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, Alaska is facing a steep and devastating surge in drug overdose deaths, driven in part by fentanyl, where even a trace amount, as small as what fits on the tip of a pencil, can be fatal. One pill can kill; and
WHEREAS, the fentanyl epidemic in the United States is a serious public safety threat, with illicit fentanyl overdose rates currently at the highest level in history; and
WHEREAS, it is common for individuals to unknowingly use fentanyl, and in 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a public safety alert to raise awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills; and
WHEREAS, we can help save lives by alerting Alaskans to the risks of fentanyl, partnering with law enforcement to prevent drugs from entering Alaska, and reducing the stigma surrounding substance abuse so people can access resources to prevent overdose deaths, connect to treatment, and be treated.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim August 21, 2026 as:
Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to take a proactive role in educating themselves on the risks of fentanyl. Overdose deaths are preventable if we act 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, 2026
