U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Ranking Member, Mike Braun, has released a report titled "The Silent Epidemic, Fentanyl and Older Americans," which highlights the alarming increase in overdose deaths among older Americans. The report sheds light on the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic drug primarily smuggled across the southern border, and its contribution to the rising number of fatalities. Over the past two decades, overdose deaths among Americans aged 65 and older have quadrupled.
Speaking about the issue, Sen. Mike Braun stated, "We often talk about fentanyl becoming the number one killer of young people, but it’s killing at every age. The silent epidemic of fentanyl flowing from our southern border is robbing our seniors of their golden years."
The report offers several recommendations to address this crisis. One key recommendation is to reduce the supply of synthetic drugs, with a focus on enhancing border security and confronting China. Sen. Braun also suggests legislation such as the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act, which would make the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death a federal felony murder charge.
Another crucial recommendation is to raise awareness among seniors about the dangers of synthetic drugs. The report emphasizes the need for tailored prevention messaging aimed at older adults. Policymakers and stakeholders are urged to sound the alarm and educate older Americans about the threat of synthetics, particularly counterfeit pills. The public needs to understand that even a single counterfeit pill can be lethal. The report also highlights the importance of updating public health systems to reflect changing patterns of behavior and the presence of new drugs, such as fentanyl, in common medications like Oxycodone, Xanax, and Adderall.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need for more data on synthetic drug use among seniors. Policymakers and stakeholders are called upon to ensure that adequate research and data collection are in place to fully understand the impact of synthetics on older Americans. Improved coordination between federal agencies and states, along with higher quality surveys and reporting, would help guide policy responses.
The release of this report serves as a wake-up call to the nation about the devastating consequences of fentanyl use among older Americans. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to reduce the supply of synthetic drugs, raise awareness among seniors, and collect more data on their usage. By addressing these issues head-on, we can work towards protecting our seniors and preventing further loss of life.
To read the full report, click here.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.aging.senate.gov/press-releases/braun-sounds-alarm-on-surge-of-fentanyl-deaths-among-older-americans-in-new-aging-report
