Rep. LaTurner highlights importance of fentanyl education and awareness

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jake LaTurner (R-KS) questioned Dr. Rahul Gupta, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, on the dangers of fentanyl and how we can work together to tackle the worsening epidemic. This comes as Kansas has seen a staggering 73% spike in fentanyl overdoes, one of the highest increases in America.
Rep. LaTurner issued these remarks during the House Oversight and Accountability committee hearing: “Oversight and Reauthorization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy”
In his opening statement, Congressman LaTurner highlighted the worsening fentanyl epidemic unfolding in Kansas and across the country. He stressed the importance of educating parents and teens on the dangers of this deadly drug.
Below are Congressman LaTurner’s opening remarks as prepared for delivery:
Thank you all for being here today. The ONDCP has been on the front lines of our nation’s battle against drug addiction and has had a far-reaching impact on public health and safety in our communities. I’d like to commend you Dr. Gupta, as well as all the dedicated men and women at your agency for their hard work.
Today I want to talk about fentanyl. Over the past few years, Kansas has seen a staggering 73% spike in fentanyl overdoes, one of the highest increases in America. It’s hard to find a community in my district that hasn’t been impacted by this epidemic.
Two milligrams of fentanyl, a lethal dose for most people, is cheaper than a can of pop and is killing more young Americans than car crashes, suicides, and COVID-19 combined. Major drug trafficking routes along the I-35 and I-70 corridors make my home state of Kansas ground zero for the fentanyl crisis.
Over 1,200 Kansans have already died from fentanyl poisoning, and when I talk to local law enforcement, it’s clear that this crisis is only getting worse by the day. In addition to securing the southern border, I believe proper education and awareness in our schools, homes, and communities can be the difference between life and death.
We need to educate parents and teens on the reality we are facing – that a lethal dose of fentanyl in a Percocet pill, or another illegal street drug, is often just one wrong Snapchat message away. I have seen this tragic sequence of events play out far too many times in my district.
The ONDCP must do its part and take serious action to help ensure communities across America are educated on the dangers of one of the deadliest drugs our nation has ever seen.