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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is among a dozen Senators who today released pre-Halloween Public Service Announcements (PSAs) warning parents about the rainbow fentanyl pills now being used by drug cartels to target American youths.
Rainbow fentanyl is being distributed in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), these pills are a “deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction amongst kids and young adults.”
“Most people don’t know that just one pill can kill. This epidemic is exploding, which is why this Halloween, let’s join forces and look out for one another,” Hyde-Smith said. “By working together and being on high alert this Halloween, we can help put an end to the drug traffickers that are driving addiction and poisoning our neighbors and children.”
In addition to her singular message, Hyde-Smith participated in a joint PSA led by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall M.D. (R-Kan.) that also includes Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), James Risch (Idaho), and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
The PSAs include trick-or-treating safety tips, including:
· Remind children to trick or treat in groups and to check in with parents periodically.
· Only allow children to get candy from trusted neighbors, family, and friends.
· Set a curfew for trick-or-treaters.
· Always double and triple check all trick or treat candy for drugs, unpackaged items, and suspicious packaging.
Hyde-Smith has cosponsored several bills related to combatting the fentanyl and opioid crisis afflicting cities and states, including Mississippi.
A March 2022 Mississippi State Department of Health report showed a sharp escalation of overall deaths in Mississippi involving fentanyl, including a 125 percent increase in overdose fatalities due to synthetic opioids from 2019 to 2020.
DEA launched the One Pill Can Kill Public Awareness Campaign to educate Americans about the dangers of fake pills. If you are in need of assistance, visit https://www.findtreatment.gov/.
MageeNews.com is an online news source serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
