August 19, 2022

Fighting Fentanyl in Wisconsin

Friend, 

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for those aged 18-45. Deaths related to fentanyl in Wisconsin's First District in 2021:

• 47 people died from a fentanyl overdose in Rock County
• 48 people died from a fentanyl overdose in Kenosha County
• 68 people died from a fentanyl overdose in Racine County

As fentanyl wreaks havoc on Wisconsin families, I am working with local law enforcement and federal officials to raise awareness of its dangers. Recently, I held a roundtable in Janesville focused on raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. 

WKOW: Officials discuss growing challenges with fentanyl, ways to combat its risks

The Rock County Sheriff, local police departments, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA), and local medical experts joined the roundtable to discuss how fentanyl is impacting our local community. We discussed the increase in illicit fentanyl being found in our community and how the federal government can work with local authorities to keep these dangerous substances off our streets.

Channel 3000: Congressman Steil hosts roundtable to tackle spread of fentanyl

Substances containing fentanyl are lethal. Everyone in our community should be aware of the presence fentanyl has in drugs, particularly marijuana. Young adults are too often unaware fentanyl exists in the drugs they are taking. If a young adult was starting to use heroin, every family member or friend would be concerned. We need to have the same response to fentanyl related substances. 

At the federal level, I have been working to stop the flow of fentanyl from entering our communities. Recently, the House passed two amendments I offered to combat illicit fentanyl. These amendments are an important step in protecting our communities. There is more work to be done. 

NBC15: Rep. Steil, Rock Co. leaders hold roundtable discussion on fighting fentanyl use

Combatting illicit fentanyl is a top priority of mine. We must stop fentanyl from devastating our community. The reality of fentanyl is shocking. I will continue working with partners at the local, state, and federal level to raise awareness of this deadly substance and keep our communities safe.

As always, if you would like to share an opinion or need assistance working with a federal agency, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. 

On Wisconsin

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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