State Rep. Jamie Thompson, of Brownstown, today led efforts to highlight the dangers of Fentanyl in Michigan and the impact the deadly drug is having on families and communities every day.

Thompson presented House Resolution 254, declaring May 7-13 as Fentanyl Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.

“We stand at a critical juncture in our battle against this silent yet deadly adversary,” Thompson said when addressing the resolution on the House floor. “This potent substance has emerged as one of the primary culprits behind the alarming surge in drug overdoses, not only in Michigan but across the entire United States.”

Fentanyl’s presence extends beyond its standalone use, as it infiltrates other substances like heroin, cocaine and counterfeit pills – exacerbating an already dire opioid crisis.

Thompson pointed to a recovery by law enforcement officials in Detroit last month of 40 kilograms of Fentanyl from a stash house – enough to kill every man, woman and child in the state twice – as just one example of how prevalent the problem is. Michigan suffered a staggering 2,539 opioid overdose deaths in 2021 – a steady increase over the course of 25 years where just over 100 deaths were reported statewide in 1999. Nationally, over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

“We cannot afford to remain idle spectators in the face of such a pervasive threat,” Thompson said. “Our response must be comprehensive and resolute. We must intensify our efforts to educate and raise awareness about the perils of this drug, and equip our citizens with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their loved ones. We must also bolster our defenses to prevent the illicit flow of this poison into our state by securing our borders and enhancing law enforcement measures.

“Facing this challenge will help protect our communities.”

HR 254 was adopted by the Michigan House following Thompson’s comments. Thompson serves on the House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee and the House Health Policy Committee.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jamie Thompson, of Brownstown, speaks on a House resolution she offered declaring May 7-13 as Fentanyl Awareness Week in the state of Michigan. HR 254 was approved by the Michigan House.