United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CHICAGO – In support of those who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning, the Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Division hosted its first-ever Family Summit on the Opioid Overdose Epidemic on November 17 in Rosemont, Illinois.

This was the first undertaking of its kind for the DEA Chicago Division and builds off the momentum of this summer’s Inaugural Family Summit hosted at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram delivered remarks at the Family Summit in Washington, D.C.

 “The Justice Department will never give up in our effort to protect American lives,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “We will continue to work tirelessly to get deadly drugs – including fentanyl -- out of our communities.  And through today’s Family Summit, we will help prevent future tragedies. Your stories and your participation are indispensable to the success of this effort.  We are humbled to do this work alongside you, and we stand with you in honor of your loved ones.”

“The passion, commitment and incredible work these families are doing to prevent others from experiencing the profound pain of losing a loved one to a fentanyl poisoning inspires all of us at DEA.  They have made it their mission to save lives.  Their efforts are, and will remain, an integral part of DEA’s outreach, prevention and education programs,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The family summits are one of the ways DEA is working to meet this moment.”

In addition to an overview of current global drug trends from DEA Chicago Division Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Bell, the DEA Chicago Division Family Summit included presentations, information and resources from regional leaders in public health, drug prevention and youth safety, including Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Illinois Department of Human Services, Chicago Department of Public Health, Safe2Help Illinois, Omni Youth Services, Candor Health Education and Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization.

“We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration from our regional partners in making the DEA Chicago Family Summit a productive experience for families who are suffering from tragic losses due to drug overdoses and poisonings,” said DEA Chicago SAC Bell. “Together, we will continue progress toward ending the opioid epidemic and making our communities safer and healthier.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 107,622 people died from drug poisonings in the United States in 2021. A majority of drug poisoning deaths are attributed to synthetic opioids, predominately fentanyl.

The DEA regional family summits gather families who are passionate about saving lives through increased public awareness of fentanyl. These summits allow DEA to listen and learn from families as they share their personal stories. Additionally, the summits provide participants information on national drug threats and resources available to enhance local prevention efforts.

If you are interested in information on how to get involved in future events, please complete the Advocates for Change form and submit it to familyoutreach@dea.gov.

DEA has resources available to help parents and care givers talk to kids about the dangers of drug use.  You may also visit the Get Smart About Drugs website. 

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use or mental health disorders, please visit DEA’s Recovery Resources page for a list of resources.