The Invisible War on Fentanyl
The United States is battling an invisible war. On average, approximately 80,000 Americans lose their lives yearly due to a fentanyl overdose, mimicking a daily airline crash – grave, but largely unattended.
A potent opioid, fentanyl, can cause irreversible brain damage within three minutes of an overdose. Imagine taking a nap and waking up with a permanent brain injury—it’s a horrifying thought, isn’t it?
A Devastating Loss Sparks Desire for Change
Ethan Bherwani, a bright college graduate with thriving dreams, fell victim to this silent killer last year. Unaware that his substance contained fentanyl, he collapsed, tragically passing away ten days later. He was only 22.
And it was not an overdose. It was poison.
His grieving family, along with many other bereaved households across the nation, are left to face an unnecessary loss due to this imported crisis. The root of this raging epidemic primarily lies in three areas—supply, prevention, and harm reduction.
The Deadly Supply Chain and It’s Influence
It might shock you, but nearly 97% of the chemicals used to make fentanyl originate from China. Despite international pressure, Chinese companies are still producing these deadly substances. The Mexican cartels use them to produce fentanyl, which eventually finds its way into the U.S.
Moreover, Mexico is a prime source of illicit fentanyl shipments to our country since 2019. Hence, comprehensive border protection is vital to halt its inflow.
Government’s Crucial Role in Containing the Epidemic
We need to prod the government into action. The state and federal government should reinforce their regulations and actions. Homeland Security requires proper financing and advanced technology capable of identifying fentanyl in people, luggage, and mail packages to impede the lethal supply.
Harsher punishments for dealers selling fentanyl-laced substances causing overdoses are also necessary. In New York, the government is considering passing a law called “Chelsey’s Law,” to charge dealers causing fatal overdoses with manslaughter.
But controlling the supply isn’t the only solution. We need to equip ourselves and have resources readily available for overdose victims.
Naloxone: A Key to Reverse Overdoses
Naloxone, a nasal spray that counteracts opioid overdose effects, is perhaps our best weapon in this fight. Despite sealing significant settlement money from the opioid industry, New York needs to make naloxone universally available, much like Maryland did recently.
This silent war requires immediate and robust action. Around 200 Americans lose their lives to this menace daily. Now, more than ever, we need to act with urgency to prevent other families from enduring the senseless sorrow as Ethan’s family did.
Why? Because those three minutes difference between life and death are pivotal.
Avlon, the Democratic nominee for New York’s First Congressional District, and Bherwani, the recently appointed CEO at GCOM, are pushing for substantial steps to tackle this crisis. They are leveraging their influence and commitment to save lives and hope every citizen and the government do their part too.
Call to Action
Let’s stand together to combat this fatal drug crisis. After all, it’s our fight. We cannot afford to lose more promising individuals like Ethan to it.
Each of us can play a part in identifying solutions and compelling local and national leaders to take action. Only then can we hope to see an end to this tragic daily airliner crash caused by fentanyl. Only then can we prevent more unnecessary losses.
Together, we can achieve this. So, let’s start the fight today.