Department of Safety Recognizes National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day

CONCORD, New Hampshire – On the second annual National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, the New Hampshire Department of Safety joins law enforcement and community organizations around the country in raising awareness about the dangers and threats posed by the illicit manufacturing of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. By the end of 2022, fentanyl contributed to the deaths of at least 407 people in New Hampshire, according to data compiled by the Information and Analysis Center and attributed to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Fentanyl is the most prevalent drug brought into the Division of State Police’s Forensic Lab for testing by law enforcement agencies throughout the state:

• In 2021, 1,731 case submissions tested by the lab contained fentanyl.
• In 2022, 1,644 case submissions tested by the lab contained fentanyl.
• To date this year, more than 500 case submissions tested by the lab have contained fentanyl.

Additional statistics are available in the latest New Hampshire Drug Monitoring Initiative report.

The Department of Safety is committed to addressing the fentanyl epidemic – along with its partners at the federal, state, county and municipal levels – by stopping drug traffickers and removing dangerous substances from communities within the Granite State. The Department is currently overseeing the “No Safe Experience” public awareness campaign, discouraging people from consuming any drugs that have not been prescribed by a medical provider. Additionally, the Division of State Police’s Narcotics Investigations Unit continues to participate in “Operation Granite Shield”, a collaborative effort with local law enforcement that combats the trafficking and sale of opioids.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available. Please contact 211 NH or 1-866-444-4211 to be connected with substance abuse or mental health resources.