Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Lisa McClain (MI-10), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Addison McDowell (NC-06) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April 29, 2025, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day in order to increase awareness about the growing threat of counterfeit fentanyl pills and their devastating impact on families and young people across the United States. 

The resolution seeks to unite the public and policymakers in the fight against this deadly epidemic as fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise. In 2024 alone, law enforcement seized 60 million counterfeit pills, equating to over 377 million lethal doses.

“Like far too many Americans, my family was impacted by the opioid crisis. My mom’s addiction that started with prescription opioids led to a decades long struggle including heroin and fentanyl. In one year alone, my mom overdosed over 20 times because of fentanyl,” said Pettersen. “I know firsthand that we need to be at the forefront of this epidemic as it continues to take the lives of young people at an alarming rate. National Fentanyl Awareness Day is an opportunity to increase awareness about the dangers to prevent further tragedies and protect the next generation.”

“Countless Michigan families have suffered unimaginable loss due to this deadly drug,” said McClain. “We must secure our borders and crack down on the cartels that are fueling this epidemic. The safety of our communities and our children's future depend on it.”

“The fentanyl-fueled overdose crisis is devastating families and communities in every corner of our country,” said Trahan. “By establishing National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we not only honor the lives lost, but also shine a light on the urgent need for action. This bill is about raising awareness, saving lives, and reaffirming our commitment to ending this crisis.”

“Counterfeit fentanyl is now the leading killer of young Americans, devastating families in every corner of our nation,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’ve seen the human cost of this crisis firsthand. As Co-Chair and a founding member of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I’m working to turn awareness into action—stopping the flow of deadly counterfeit pills, strengthening prevention and enforcement, and saving lives. Recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day is a critical part of that mission and of building the national response this crisis demands.” 

“Fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings have had a devastating impact on communities across my home state of Colorado,” said Neguse.“In championing an effort to designate April 29th as National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we are not just bringing attention to this crisis but also sharing information and best practices for preventing the spread and sale of synthetic opioids—and, ultimately, fighting to save lives.”

“Today is Fentanyl Awareness Day, and I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution,” said McDowell. “I lost my younger brother Luke to this poison at just 20 years old. Too many families have gotten the same tragic news we did. Enough is enough.” 

Text of the resolution can be found HERE. 

Rep. Pettersen has been a leading voice in Congress on addressing the opioid crisis and expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Inspired by her own mother’s struggle, Pettersen has fought for legislation to prevent the import of illicit drugs, crack down on drug traffickers and their financing operations, and prevent overdose deaths by ensuring airplanes, law enforcement, and hospitals are able to distribute naloxone when necessary.