Senator Sullivan & Governor Dunleavy Introduce Alaska Fentanyl Awareness Campaign

05.06.24

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA-U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (both R-Alaska) today introduced the fentanyl awareness campaign, "One Pill Can Kill - Alaska," to combat the increase in fentanyl-related deaths across Alaska and the country. The public awareness campaign examines where fentanyl is coming from, where and how it is being sold, the dangers of the drug, how it impacts Alaska communities, and the resources that are available for treatment, prevention, and reporting criminal activity. This campaign comes after the State of Alaska released preliminary data demonstrating that more Alaskans died of drug overdoses in 2023 than in any previously recorded year, and ahead of National Fentanyl Awareness Day on Tuesday, May 7.

Click here to watch the full press conference.

"Alaska is under attack," Senator Sullivan said. "The DEA estimates that 7 out of every 10 pills that they seize contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Think about that. It's shocking. Scary. And it's why this campaign is needed. During today's press conference and in the coming months, this campaign-which is going to bring in all Alaskans-we will examine where fentanyl comes from, where and how it is being sold, the dangers of the drug, how it impacts Alaska communities, and importantly, the resources available for treatment, prevention and reporting criminal activity. Combating this epidemic needs to be a multi-pronged strategy: international, federal, state, and local, and Alaskans on the ground. We've already lost way too many Alaskan lives, but there's no doubt that with all of us working together, we can reverse the shocking increase in overdoses in our state."

"As Governor, I am doing everything in my power to prevent fentanyl from claiming Alaskan lives,"said Governor Mike Dunleavy. "I'm working with the Alaska legislature to stiffen penalties for those who bring fentanyl into our state or sell drugs that lead to an overdose death. Drug traffickers and fentanyl dealers are not welcome in Alaska."

Senator Sullivan and Governor Dunleavy made the announcement during a press conference today at the Alaska Department of Safety Crime Lab. Other speakers included Attorney General Treg. R. Taylor, Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit Commander, Captain Cornelius Sims, Department of Public Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg, and two mothers whose children were victims of drug overdoses, Sandy Snodgrass and Karen Malcom-Smith.

BACKGROUND:

"One Pill Can Kill - Alaska" is an all-hands-on-deck effort. It will aim to reach Alaskans online, in-person at local community hotspots, and over traditional forms of media such as TV and radio. As part of this effort, Senator Sullivan and Governor Dunleavy will be launching public service announcement videos and graphics to be distributed on local TV, radio and online. Senator Sullivan will also be incorporating this fentanyl awareness campaign in his visits across the state in the coming months and exploring additional partnerships with students, parents and community leaders throughout the state.

Every Alaskan can get involved and help spread the word. Participating in the campaign can be as simple as sharing some of the graphics and flyer available for download below or creating and distributing your own content with the information provided in the below resources.

SHARE THIS ONE-PAGER WITH YOUR COMMUNITY BY DOWNLOADING HERE.

GET INVOLVED IN THE CAMPAIGN BY USING THIS DIGITAL TOOLKIT.

LEARN MORE AT DEA.GOV/ONEPILL

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