United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MIAMI – This week the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosted regional family summits across the country in support of those who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning.

This is the first undertaking of its kind for the DEA field divisions and builds off the momentum of this summer’s Inaugural Family Summit hosted at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram delivered remarks last week 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.”

The DEA Miami Field Division invited families from Florida to the Family Summit held in Coral Springs, Florida on November 17, 2022.

“In the midst of an unprecedented overdose and poisoning epidemic, primarily driven by illicit fentanyl, we need to do all that we can to save lives. The courage and strength of these families who lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning and their commitment to spreading awareness and educating other families is truly inspiring,” said Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “We cannot defeat this epidemic alone. The Family Summit allowed the Miami Field Division to forge a new partnership with these families and organizations, and I look forward to continuing these partnerships in our prevention and education efforts.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 107,622 people died by drug poisoning in the United States in 2021. A majority of drug poisoning deaths are attributed to synthetic opioids, such as 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 can 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 list of resources.

Follow DEA Miami via Twitter at @DEAMIAMIDIV.