WHAT DO WE DO BEFORE WE KNOW?

Responsibility Begins Before Certainty.
A Question for Fentanyl Prevention

In prevention, we often talk about known dangers and facts we can confirm.
But sometimes we hear about a possible danger before we know the full situation.
That is where an important question arises:

What do we do before we know?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be extremely dangerous. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is of particular concern because it may be present in illicit drugs and counterfeit pills without the person taking them knowing it is there.
Therefore, if someone hears that a particular pill or substance may contain fentanyl, this is not a moment for indifference.
But it is also not a moment to jump to conclusions without verified facts.
Take information seriously without turning unconfirmed claims into fact.

• Do not turn suspicion into accusation.
• Do not turn rumor into fact.
• But do not ignore information that may point to serious danger.

Pause. Ask. Check reliable sources. Seek appropriate guidance.

When information may indicate illegal activity or serious danger, it should responsibly reach those who have the knowledge, professional means, and authority to assess it.
That is why we should look to the example of the DEA, which, through law enforcement, public information, prevention, and partnerships with communities, works to protect people from the dangers associated with illicit drugs, including fentanyl.
Through initiatives such as Operation Engage, the DEA works with communities and local partners to increase awareness, support prevention, and address the harms associated with drugs.

This is an example worth following:
We should not wait for danger to become a tragedy before we respond. We should work together on prevention, information, and protecting our communities.

Fentanyl prevention is not only about knowing that fentanyl is dangerous.
It is also about knowing what to do when information emerges that may point to that danger.
Because sometimes we cannot know the whole picture immediately.
But we can know that danger should not be ignored.

And that is where the responsible question begins:
What do we do before we know?
We act responsibly.