Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida school superintendents, raising urgent concerns about the ongoing fentanyl crisis and its deadly impact on communities across the state. As students return for the new school year, Scott is calling on schools to introduce educational programs that focus on fentanyl awareness and prevention.
Following a roundtable earlier this year, where he heard from families, law enforcement, and experts about the crisis, Scott emphasized the importance of educating students on the dangers of fentanyl. The drug has been a leading cause of overdose deaths, particularly among young people.
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In the letter, Senator Scott wrote, “One of the most pressing issues we face is the ongoing fentanyl crisis. This devastating epidemic continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, and its impact is felt deeply in our communities. In 2023, over 107,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, with fentanyl being the leading cause of death among individuals aged 18 to 49. Florida remains one of the hardest-hit states, with thousands of families mourning the loss of loved ones.”
He continued by urging schools to collaborate with local advocacy organizations to provide life-saving information at no cost, noting that educating students on the dangers of fentanyl could be a crucial step in preventing more tragedies.
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Senator Scott has been a leader in fighting the fentanyl epidemic. His END FENTANYL Act, passed earlier this year, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to regularly update its drug interdiction policies, a move aimed at enhancing efforts to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.
The letter builds on Senator Scott’s ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis, including supporting National Fentanyl Awareness Day and sponsoring several bills aimed at strengthening law enforcement and prevention efforts.
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