Proclaim May 2024 to be National Fentanyl Awareness Month
Whereas, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency first recognized May 9 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2022, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action against the fentanyl crisis; and
Whereas, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, posing an unprecedented threat to public health and safety; and
Whereas, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, fentanyl is currently the most significant threat to life for Americans today, claiming more lives of Americans aged 18 to 45 than gun violence, vehicle crashes, cancer, and COVID-19, with nearly 200 Americans lost each day to this deadly substance; and
Whereas, the rate of children under 14 dying from fentanyl poisoning has alarmingly increased, reflecting a grave societal issue that demands immediate and decisive action; and
Whereas, in Portland, Oregon, the impact of fentanyl is devastating, with overdoses continuing to claim lives and shatter families, contributing to a public health crisis of immense proportions; and
Whereas, the statistics within Multnomah County are particularly stark, with deaths attributed to synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, surging by 77 percent between 2021 and 2022; and
Whereas, between 2019 and 2023, Oregon experienced the highest growth in fatal fentanyl overdose rates in the nation – a staggering increase of over 1,500 percent; and
Whereas, our homeless population is 37 times more likely to succumb to drug overdoses, highlighting the intersection of homelessness and substance abuse as a critical area for intervention; and
Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes the urgent need to foster awareness, educate our residents on prevention and harm reduction strategies, and promote access to live-saving resources and support services; and
Whereas, by uniting as a community to address this epidemic, we can extend vital support to those affected by addiction and work collaboratively towards solutions that not only save lives but also heal our community.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim May 2024, to be
National Fentanyl Awareness Month
In Portland and encourage all Portlanders to mobilize our community to take action, support those affected by addiction, and work collaboratively towards solutions that will save lives and heal our city.