00:00Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Fentanyl Awareness Day, which was celebrated
00:07last week on May 7th.
00:09In 2023, a record number of our sons' and daughters' lives were taken by opioid overdoses,
00:15the majority of which were caused by illicit fentanyl poisoning.
00:20Fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45 and is predominantly
00:26sourced from our southwest border.
00:29This is unacceptable.
00:31We must close that southern border, but there are additional steps we can take to ensure
00:34everyone, especially our youth, are protected.
00:37I've been a long-time advocate for naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, to be available
00:41over-the-counter, and I'm so glad the FDA finally took this step so that more people
00:46can access this life-saving medication.
00:49As a pharmacist, I understand just how important access to naloxone is.
00:54I carry it around me in my backpack everywhere I go.
00:57I've never had to use it, and I hope I don't have to use it, but it's there in case of
01:02an emergency.
01:03I've introduced legislation, the Saving Lives in Schools Act, which would require schools
01:07to carry naloxone.
01:09Wherever you see a defibrillator, you should see naloxone.
01:12It's safe, effective, easy to use, and could save a life.
01:16The Fentanyl Awareness Day, we must band together and commit to ending the fentanyl poisoning
01:21epidemic for good.
01:23Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back.
01:25For what purpose does the gentleman from Michigan seek recognition?
