This year's theme, The Power of Parents, Caregivers, and Families, focuses on education, prevention, and empowering trusted adults to protect young people. It is never too early to talk with kids and teens about substance use, counterfeit pills, mental health, and how to ask for help. Open, honest conversations—paired with trusted prevention resources, naloxone awareness, and overdose response education—can help save lives.
Goals of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day™
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day™ honors lives lost to overdoses involving illegally made fentanyl and supports affected families and communities. It raises awareness of illegally made fentanyl, counterfeit pills, accidental exposure, and youth overdose risk; empowers parents and caregivers to start early, open conversations with kids and teens; and equips schools, youth-serving organizations, families, and public health partners with ready-to-share prevention resources. The observance promotes lifesaving actions—recognizing overdose signs, responding effectively, and keeping naloxone available—supports families and communities affected by substance use, treatment, recovery, grief, and help-seeking, and strengthens partnerships across families, schools, public health, prevention organizations, and community leaders to sustain prevention beyond August 21.
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day™ was established by FACING FENYANYL™. FACING FENTANYL™ is a trademarked subsidiary of VOICES FOR AWARENESS FOUNDATION.