Attorney General Miyares has partnered with the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority (HSEA) to enhance public awareness for the "One Pill Can Kill" campaign. The initiative aims to combat the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs and reduce opioid-related deaths in Virginia. Attorney General Miyares emphasized the importance of education and prevention in the fight against counterfeit medications, stating, “Make no mistake – the rise of fentanyl poisoning is chemical warfare.”
The collaboration between Attorney General Miyares and HSEA will utilize the Henrico Sports & Events Center as a platform to engage a diverse audience and distribute crucial information about identifying and avoiding counterfeit pills. Dennis Bickmeier, Executive Director of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the opportunity to raise awareness and make a significant impact in combating the opioid crisis.
Fake prescription pills containing substances like fentanyl continue to pose a significant threat to public health in Virginia. The Drug Enforcement Agency has reported a surge in fake pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl, with criminal drug networks distributing them as legitimate medications. In response to this alarming trend, the "One Pill Can Kill" campaign seeks to educate the public about the risks associated with counterfeit pills and provide essential resources for communities across the Commonwealth.
Laboratory testing by the DEA revealed that a staggering 7 out of every 10 seized pills contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. The prevalence of fentanyl in fake pills has been a major factor in the increasing number of poisoning deaths in Virginia. In 2022 alone, an estimated 1,967 individuals died from overdoses of fentanyl or other synthetic opioids in the state.
To learn more about the "One Pill Can Kill" campaign and its efforts to address the opioid crisis, individuals are encouraged to visit onepillcankillva.org. Attorney General Miyares and the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority are committed to raising awareness, preventing harm, and protecting Virginians from the devastating consequences of counterfeit medications.