Local Impact
Illicit fentanyl and fake prescription pills are a continued concern for the Kansas City region. Overdose deaths caused by fentanyl poisonings are rising, which has led to the increase of unexpected loss and grief among families in the Kansas City community. Overall, both the states of Missouri and Kansas have seen an upward trend in drug-related overdose deaths.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported over 2,000 drug-related overdose deaths occurred in the state in 2021. Around 70% of these deaths were caused by synthetic opioids (non-heroin opioids according to the graph) like illicit fentanyl.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state reported over 600 drug-related overdose deaths in 2021 (yellow). Around half of the drug-related overdose deaths that occurred were related to synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl (blue). Furthermore, the rate of drug overdose deaths in the state of Kansas almost tripled within the last year few years.
DEA Kansas City District Office is pleased to have Operation Engage to help combat the impact of illicit fentanyl and the toll it has taken on the Kansas City community. DEA will take this opportunity to educate and engage community members, health departments, schools, businesses, healthcare professionals, and policy makers to advocate for sustainable drug prevention initiatives and decrease the number of fentanyl poisonings in the community.
