Big Sky Times

Governor Greg Gianforte has proclaimed August 21 as Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day to honor those lost to fentanyl overdoses and raise awareness about the dangers of the drug.

“The Biden-Harris border policy has left every state exposed to the threat of fentanyl poisoning,” Gov. Gianforte stated. “While we continue to call on the administration to stop the flow of illegal drugs across the border, the State of Montana is committed to strengthening penalties for criminals who peddle this poison and providing support to families who have lost a loved one to the drug epidemic. Susan and I ask every Montanan to join us today in raising awareness about the rampant problem of fentanyl.”

In 2022, Montana recorded 95 fentanyl overdoses, marking its highest number on record. Before 2020, the state averaged approximately eight deaths per year.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Rocky Mountain Field Division, over 3 million fentanyl pills were seized in 2023 within a region that includes Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming—a 78 percent increase from the previous year. Since 2019, Montana has seen an 11,000 percent rise in fentanyl seizures.

Several governors nationwide are joining Gov. Gianforte in observing August 21 as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day and August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.

In 2023, DEA seized more than 80 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. These seizures equate to over 390 million lethal doses of fentanyl. The figures for 2024 represent over 227 million deadly doses.

Last year, working with the legislature, Gov. Gianforte increased penalties for drug trafficking by imposing a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in jail or a $50,000 fine or both for anyone convicted of trafficking fentanyl in Montana.

Captain Nate Kamerman, commander for the Missouri River Drug Task Force remarked: “The spike in fentanyl-related overdoses stands as a testament to how big this problem has become. Taking a day to recognize how fentanyl has impacted lives across our state will open Montanans' eyes to what Law Enforcement deals with every day. The continued support from Governor Gianforte and State Legislators is instrumental to effectively combating this plague."

Gov. Gianforte also highlighted the importance of treatment for Montanans struggling with addiction.

Addressing substance use is among his top priorities. In his first week in office, he introduced the HEART Fund which allocates $25 million annually for comprehensive behavioral health and treatment programs across communities.

Recently, he announced a $400,000 investment to install 24 Wellness Kiosks throughout Montana that will dispense fentanyl testing strips and naloxone.

A central part of his Budget for Montana Families includes a $300 million generational investment aimed at expanding intensive community-based behavioral health care and developmental disabilities services statewide.

The governor’s proclamation can be viewed here.