The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) observes Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day on Thursday, August 21, 2025, reminding residents about the dangers of fentanyl. On May 23, 2025, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 259, establishing this as a state special observance to promote awareness on the dangers of fentanyl and potential overdoses, including education on specified topics.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is found in street drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Drug dealers also add fentanyl to mimic prescription medications, such as counterfeit versions of Percocet, Oxycontin, Xanax, and Adderall made of methamphetamine. Since fentanyl is not easily detected, users do not know that fentanyl is in the drug they are taking, which can lead to deadly consequences. Assume any pills, liquids, or powdered substances you did not get directly from a pharmacy or dispensary may contain fentanyl.

How to Prevent an Overdose

• Lead with Empathy:Substance use disorder is complex and requires care, connection, and community for recovery. Encourage people to carry naloxone, seek resources for support, and connect with loved ones and peers to aid in their recovery.
• Learn the Signs of Overdose and Carry Naloxone: Recent research has shown that access to naloxone does not increase the likelihood to use opioids like fentanyl. 
• Talk to Loved Ones About Substance Use Disorder:With more fentanyl in the drug supply, opioid overdoses and deaths have risen in recent years. Have regular, open, non-judgmental, and compassionate conversations with loved ones – even if not certain they are using.
• Talk to your doctor about how to correctly take opioid prescriptions and ask about non-opioid medications for pain management, if you would like as an alternative.

Signs of an Overdose

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Slow, weak, or not breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Cold or clammy skin
• Discolored skin, especially lips and nails
• Limp body

What to Do if You Think Someone is Overdosing

If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and try to keep them awake and breathing until emergency assistance arrives.

How to Get Involved

• Apublic health and safety alert was also deployed by the Florida Department of Health on July 8, 2022, to ensure Floridians remain vigilant of the signs of overdose. Poster materials are available.

Floridians can find naloxone for their community by calling DOH-Marion at 352-629-0137. 

DOH-Marion offers naloxone (Narcan) at the following locations:

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.