Dear Representative Kean and Van Drew,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 7720, which would allow grant funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne-JAG) to be used for the purchase of fentanyl testing kits and opioid reversal agents.
Our officers face the effects of the fentanyl epidemic every day and are often the first on the scene responding to a potential drug overdose. In 2022 nearly 110,000 Americans died from a drug overdose, primarily from synthetic opioids like fentanyl, making them the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-49. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) six out of ten fentanyl laced prescription pills contained a potentially lethal dose of the drug. Now more than ever, it is critical that our officers have the tools necessary to detect and administer aid to people suffering from an overdose.
With access to this funding, law enforcement would be able to use test kits to detect fake prescription pills, improving their ability to detect and fentanyl overdoses. This bill would also expand access to life saving opioid reversal agents such as naloxone, which can reverse an overdose if administered in time. By funding these measures through the Byrne-JAG grant, our officers would have the tools necessary to help address the fentanyl crisis in their communities and save the lives of those who fall victim to it.
On behalf of the more than 373,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on this important issue. If I can provide any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President