Why Are Presidential Candidates Ignoring the Fentanyl Crisis?

Why Are Presidential Candidates Ignoring the Fentanyl Crisis?

The fentanyl crisis in the United States is spiralling into a public health catastrophe, claiming over 80,000 American lives annually due to opioid overdoses—equivalent to a daily plane crash tragedy. Fentanyl has emerged as the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45, exceeding the combined fatalities of the Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars, which amount to around 64,900. Despite these staggering figures, the crisis receives scant attention in presidential debates, often overshadowed by border-related discussions, leaving communities bereft of crucial political advocacy.

The human toll of this epidemic is profound, affecting diverse demographics and dispelling the myth that only drug addicts suffer its consequences. In this crisis, social media platforms like Snapchat have been implicated in facilitating the sale of fentanyl-laced pills, contributing significantly to the problem. The COVID-19 lockdowns exacerbated the situation by driving isolated teens to their phones, where they encountered a barrage of offers for counterfeit pills.

Efforts such as the Kids Online Safety Act aim to hold these platforms accountable by imposing a duty of care to protect children. Meanwhile, naloxone, a life-saving drug capable of reversing overdoses, remains underutilised and inadequately publicised.

There is an urgent need for political leaders to tackle the fentanyl crisis, particularly by allocating opioid manufacturer settlement funds toward drug education, prevention, and treatment rather than enforcement. This is crucial as the nation awaits a comprehensive plan to address the epidemic. It’s concerning that U.S. presidents have largely remained silent on this issue, overlooking the struggles of affected families. The upcoming political debates present a vital opportunity to bring this matter to the forefront and advocate for solutions that can save lives and protect communities.

Source: The Hill

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