National Fentanyl Awareness Day: A Community Call to Action

CSB of Middle Georgia’s Mission to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis

Observed on April 29, National Fentanyl Awareness Day serves as a life-saving initiative to educate our community about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and counterfeit prescription pills. As overdose deaths rise, particularly among youth, CSBMG is working to spread awareness, increase prevention efforts, and support harm reduction strategies (National Fentanyl Awareness Day [NFAD], 2025).

Understanding the Dangers of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) has infiltrated the drug supply, often disguised as common medications like Oxycodone, Percocet, or Xanax. Many individuals—especially young people—are unknowingly ingesting fentanyl-laced pills, leading to fatal overdoses (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).

The Social Media Connection

A staggering 40% of teens do not realize that pills purchased online may contain fentanyl (NFAD, 2025). Social media platforms have become a dangerous marketplace for counterfeit drugs, increasing the risk for youth experimentation and accidental overdoses (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA], 2024).

Recognizing Overdose Signs

💊 Common fentanyl overdose symptoms include:
✔ Slow or stopped breathing
✔ Loss of consciousness
✔ Blue lips or cold skin

✔ Pinpoint pupils

Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving opioid reversal drug that can counteract fentanyl overdoses if administered in time. CSBMG encourages community members to access naloxone kits and learn how to use them.

What CSBMG is Doing to Help

To combat this crisis, CSBMG is:

• Partnering with local schools, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations to spread fentanyl awareness.
• Hosting community training sessions on naloxone administration.
• Providing addiction recovery peer support for individuals affected by opioid use.

How You Can Take Action

✔ Educate yourself and your loved ones about fentanyl risks.
✔ Attend a community awareness event hosted by CSBMG.
✔ Carry naloxone and learn how to use it.

🚨 On April 29, join CSBMG in taking a stand against fentanyl. Together, we can save lives.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Fentanyl overdose prevention. https://www.cdc.gov
• National Fentanyl Awareness Day. (2025). Fentanyl awareness toolkit. https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2024). Counterfeit pills and fentanyl crisis. https://www.dea.gov