The continuing rise in overdose deaths is driven largely by fentanyl, a particularly lethal synthetic opioid. Preliminary data shows that nearly 70% of all overdose deaths in 2022 involved synthetic opioids.

In addition to its high potency, fentanyl is also so deadly because it is often found in other substances. Increasingly, fentanyl is present in counterfeit pills and stimulants, and people using these substances often do not know they contain opioids or fentanyl. It is imperative to raise public awareness about fentanyl and its risks.

Bruce’s Law, named after Robert “Bruce” Snodgrass, who died from fentanyl in 2021, would bolster prevention and education efforts surrounding fentanyl. It would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to launch a public education and awareness campaign on the dangers of substances contaminated with fentanyl and detection of early warning signs of addiction among youth. It would also authorize the establishment of a Federal Interagency Working Group on Fentanyl and Contamination of Illegal Drugs to study efforts to minimize fentanyl overdoses and make recommendations for better educating youth on the dangers of substances contaminated with fentanyl. Finally, it would provide grants for educating young people on the risks of substances contaminated with fentanyl.

Send the letter below to urge your members of Congress to cosponsor Bruce’s Law to support prevention and education efforts to help reduce fentanyl-related deaths.