Fentanyl Free America Call to Action by Middle District of Georgia U.S. Attorney

MACON, Ga. - U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes is urging every citizen in the Middle District of Georgia to join the fight for a fentanyl-free America and Georgia ahead of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day this Friday, August 21, through a newly launched public service announcementLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..

"I urge everyone in our community to stand together with compassion and resolve, by learning about the dangers of fentanyl, having honest conversations with your loved ones, looking out for friends and neighbors at risk, and joining us in ending this crisis," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia. "In partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and our law enforcement allies at every level, we will continue to relentlessly pursue those distributing this deadly drug. By working together, we can save lives, honor those we've lost, and secure a safer, healthier future for every family."

"National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day reminds us that protecting our communities starts with prevention," said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. "We must protect lives by raising awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, prevent tragedy through education and informed decision-making, and support families with the resources they need to have these important conversations. Together, we can save lives and work toward a Fentanyl Free America."

As part of the national grassroots effort to raise awareness, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia has produced a public service announcement in coordination with the DEA and the Department of Justice's Office of Public Affairs, titled "Fentanyl Free America and Georgia." People are invited to watch the PSA on YouTubeLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or the Office's social channels on XLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., FacebookLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., and LinkedInLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., and help spread the message by sharing it with family, friends, and neighbors to unite our communities in this urgent fight. To learn more about the national "Fentanyl Free America" effort from the DEA, please visit https://www.dea.gov/fentanylfree.

Illicit fentanyl remains one of the most dangerous drug threats facing our communities. Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even a small amount can be potentially lethal. Fentanyl is often mixed into other illicit drugs and pressed into counterfeit pills made to resemble legitimate prescription medicines.

For those who are fighting addiction or supporting a loved one on that journey, help is available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for confidential treatment referrals and information at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed annually on August 21 and brings together families, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, educators, community organizations, and others to increase education about the dangers of illicit fentanyl. To learn more, please visit https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness.