The Fentanyl Epidemic: A Call to Action for a Comprehensive Response

As a law enforcement officer with over three decades of experience, I've witnessed a dramatic shift in the drug market. What was once a threat from traditional drugs is now a deadly menace from synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The stakes are higher than ever before, and our response must evolve to meet the challenge. In my community, we've seen the devastating impact of fentanyl firsthand. The crisis has affected every generation, with nearly 200 overdoses in a single week at its peak. But our community has come together to form a multi-faceted response, addressing not only overdoses but also the underlying issues that amplify them. The result is a community in recovery, with three consecutive years of decreasing overdose deaths. The fight is far from over, though. According to the latest statistics, 85% of drug overdose deaths in Ohio involve an opioid, with fentanyl playing a dominant role. The drug market continues to evolve, with even prescription medications bought online potentially being fentanyl-laced.The solution lies not in finger-pointing or restrictive policies but in a willingness to try new approaches. For instance, the FDA has approved reversal agents designed to counter fentanyl, but these lifesaving tools are not reaching a significant number of first responders and frontline workers. Unnecessary bureaucracy is often the culprit, with each state issuing its own policy or standing order for accessing these agents. Ohio has taken steps to increase access to these FDA-approved reversal agents for law enforcement and first responders, but other states must follow suit. As potent synthetic opioids continue to spread, it's essential that we ensure all available reversal tools are accessible to all. My personal experience with the opioid crisis has been heartbreaking. I've seen an entire family, an entire generation, die from addiction, with the younger two succumbing to fentanyl. That loss has inspired me to use my voice to raise awareness and advocate for change. I urge all states to provide FDA-approved reversal tools to ensure we're equipped to save more lives and offer more opportunities for recovery.