NW New Mexico News

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host the annual Family Summit on June 25 and 26 at the Phil Thomas Performing Arts Center in Shiprock, NM. The event, organized in partnership with Central Consolidated School District, aims to bring together individuals and families impacted by the fentanyl crisis. It provides a platform for sharing experiences, empowering one another, and addressing urgent issues related to drug abuse.

Since 2022, the DEA has been organizing family summits across the United States, with over 1,400 attendees so far. These gatherings serve as critical opportunities for families affected by the fentanyl crisis to unite and support each other. Due to the overwhelming response and demonstrated strength in working together, the DEA has committed to holding these summits annually.

Families and individuals attending the summit have been personally affected by the tragic consequences of fentanyl abuse. Their resilience and commitment to turning grief into action are reshaping public understanding of the crisis and inspiring action to save lives.

In addition to providing a platform for families to share their experiences, the summit will feature insights from the DEA about the current state of the fentanyl crisis. This includes information on how fentanyl is entering communities and efforts being made to combat its spread. The DEA has identified Chinese companies supplying precursor chemicals to cartels in Mexico, which then smuggle fentanyl into the United States using various means, including social media.

Furthermore, the DEA has established the "Faces of Fentanyl" exhibit at its headquarters. This exhibit commemorates over 5,000 lives lost to fentanyl poisoning as a tribute and a reminder of the ongoing urgency to address this crisis.

The DEA emphasizes that the Family Summit is a vital opportunity for connection, understanding, and collective action in fighting fentanyl abuse. The agency aims to make a significant difference in saving lives and addressing the impact of this crisis on communities across the country.

For more information about the DEA's Family Summit, please contact the Public Relations Department or Intercultural Community Outreach Department.