HOUSTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will recognize National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day Friday, Aug. 21, with events aimed at educating families about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the national observance, which honors people who have died from fentanyl poisoning.
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The 2026 theme, “Power of the Parent,” highlights the role parents and families play in starting conversations about the drug and helping protect loved ones.
The DEA Museum and its Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit in Washington, D.C., will have extended hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. The exhibit features more than 7,000 photos of people who died in the synthetic opioid crisis. An interactive online version is available through the DEA’s website.
“Being aware of the threat of fentanyl and counterfeit pills can save lives,” said Brian Leardo, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Houston Division. “Talk openly about the risks, educate them about the dangers, and help spread the word—because one conversation could save a life.”
The DEA says fentanyl is about 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Two milligrams—roughly the amount of a few grains of salt—can be fatal.
Although fentanyl-related deaths have declined in recent years, the synthetic opioid remains the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 45, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Many people who have been poisoned by fentanyl did not know they were taking it, the DEA said. Officials advise the public to take medications only from licensed and accredited medical professionals.
The public can learn more through the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America and One Pill Can Kill resources.