[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING NATIONAL FENTANYL AWARENESS DAY

  (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
National Fentanyl Awareness Day, which was celebrated last week on May 
7.
  In 2023, a record number of our sons' and daughters' lives were taken 
by opioid overdoses, the majority of which were caused by illicit 
fentanyl poisoning. Fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death 
for Americans aged 18 to 45 and is predominantly sourced from our 
southwest border.
  This is unacceptable. We must close that southern border, but there 
are additional steps we can take to ensure everyone, especially our 
youth, is protected. I have been a long-time advocate for naloxone, an 
overdose reversal drug, to be available over the counter. I am so glad 
the FDA finally took this step so that more people can access this 
lifesaving medication.
  As a pharmacist, I understand just how important access to naloxone 
is. I carry it around with me in my backpack everywhere I go. I never 
had to use it, and I hope I don't have to use it, but it is there just 
in case of an emergency.

  I have introduced legislation, the Saving Lives in Schools Act, which 
would require schools to carry naloxone. Wherever you see a 
defibrillator, you should see naloxone. It is safe, effective, and easy 
to use, and it could save a life.
  This National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we must band together and 
commit to ending the fentanyl poisoning epidemic for good.

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