The Florida Department of Health marked Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day to highlight the risks associated with fentanyl use. The observance was established by House Bill 259, passed by the Florida Legislature on May 23, 2025, as a state special day to promote education and awareness about fentanyl dangers and overdose prevention.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much stronger than heroin and morphine. It can be found in various street drugs, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Drug dealers may also use fentanyl to imitate prescription medications such as Percocet, OxyContin, Xanax, and Adderall. Because it cannot be detected by sight, taste, or smell, many users do not realize they are taking it. This increases the risk of accidental overdose.
The department stated that fentanyl continues to pose a threat throughout Florida and contributes significantly to rising overdose rates. In response to this crisis, the agency collaborates with state and local partners to improve prevention efforts and expand access to naloxone.
The department emphasized several strategies for preventing overdoses:
“Lead with Empathy: Substance use disorder is complex and requires care, connection, and community for recovery. Encourage people to carry naloxone, seek resources for support, and connect with loved ones and peers to aid in their recovery.”
“Learn the Signs of Overdose and Carry Naloxone: Recent research has shown that access to naloxone does not increase the likelihood to use opioids like fentanyl.”
“Talk to Loved Ones About Substance Use Disorder: With more fentanyl in the drug supply, opioid overdoses and deaths have risen in recent years. Have regular, open, non-judgmental, and compassionate conversations with loved ones – even if not certain they are using.”
“Talk to your doctor about how to correctly take opioid prescriptions and ask about non-opioid medications for pain management, if you would like an alternative.”
Signs of an overdose include very small pupils (pinpoint pupils), falling asleep or losing consciousness suddenly, slow or weak breathing or absence of breathing altogether; choking or gurgling sounds; cold or clammy skin; discoloration around lips or nails; or limpness.
If someone appears to be overdosing on opioids like fentanyl: “If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and try to keep them awake and breathing until emergency assistance arrives.”
To help address this issue statewide,a public health alert was issued by the department on July 8th 2022 warning Floridians about signs of overdose,and poster materials are available.Floridians can obtain free naloxone at County Health Departments along with other resource support.
The Florida Department of Health is accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board.The agency works across state,country,and community levels to protect,promote,and improve health for all residents.For more information visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
