John,

Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. It's a day to remember just how serious the fentanyl crisis is and to remind ourselves that we need to keep fighting for solutions to combat it. At Dream.Org we believe those solutions start by turning away from punishing those struggling with drug use and instead helping them overcome their addiction. It's a big challenge, but together, one we are capable of meeting. Let's talk about how.

What You Need To Know

• The United States is in the grip of a fentanyl crisis, according to the CDC¹, more than 107,000 people have lost their lives to drug overdoses. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl were involved in about two-thirds of these deaths.
  

In our recent blog post, we explored two contrasting pieces of legislation, Kentucky's HB 353 and Arizona's SB 1029, and how they represent the ongoing battle for criminal justice reform.

Click Here to Read the Full Article

Why It Matters

• Our country's initial reaction to the fentanyl crisis has been mass criminalization. But this approach is completely ineffective and doesn't get to the root of the problem.
  
  
• Here's the deal: Incarceration doesn't address the root causes of addiction, which at its core is a medical condition. Instead, it inflicts more trauma, removes people from their support systems, and causes complications when they reenter their communities. Moreover, the grim reality is that incarceration disproportionately affects people of color and economically disadvantaged folks, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.

What's Next

If incarceration isn't the answer, what is? We need to pivot our focus to solutions that directly address the core issues.

• Focus on Treatment: Evidence suggests that methods like medication-assisted treatment can be far more effective than incarceration. Imagine if we redirected the funds spent on imprisonment towards accessible and comprehensive treatment—it could make a world of difference for folks struggling with addiction.
  
  
• Educate and Empower Communities: It's crucial to arm communities with accurate information about the risks of fentanyl use and provide them with harm reduction strategies. 

We're calling on you to stand with us. As part of the Dream.Org Justice Reform community, you are a key player in this work. Here is how you can get involved: 

• Donate to Dream.Org: Your support helps leaders like Cynetra advocate for change across the country.
• Stay Informed: Follow Dream.Org for the latest information on criminal justice reform efforts.
• Join the Empathy Network: Become part of a passionate group of advocates working together to create change.

Remember, we dream of a world beyond mass incarceration, and it's through your tireless efforts and support that we inch closer to this reality each day.

In solidarity,
Dream.Org

¹ Fentanyl Awareness — United States Drug Enforcement Administration