In a groundbreaking initiative, the American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Cares Foundation (TCF), in collaboration with Facing Fentanyl and Lowen, has launched a public awareness campaign to combat the escalating fentanyl epidemic plaguing the United States. This partnership aims to leverage the visibility and mobility of the trucking industry to spread crucial messages about the dangers of illicit fentanyl, a drug responsible for over 70,000 American deaths annually.
A Nationwide Epidemic
The campaign comes in response to alarming statistics reported by the DEA, revealing that seven in ten counterfeit pills contain lethal amounts of fentanyl. Fentanyl has emerged as the leading cause of death among adults aged 18-45 and is claiming lives at an unprecedented rate, with fatalities occurring roughly every five minutes. Children under 14 are increasingly becoming victims of this crisis, dying from fentanyl poisoning faster than any other age group.
Trucking Takes a Stand
To confront this dire situation, the trucking industry is offering companies the opportunity to purchase trailer wraps featuring public service announcements (PSAs) about fentanyl. These wraps showcase messages from families who have endured the loss of loved ones to fentanyl poisoning, aiming to humanize the crisis and spur action. Unveiled at the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, these wraps are available at significantly reduced prices to encourage widespread participation.
Voices of Resilience
The campaign highlights the resilience of families affected by fentanyl, sharing their stories as a call to action. Andrea Thomas, co-founder of Voices for Awareness and Facing Fentanyl, emphasized the importance of transforming grief into a proactive effort to save lives. The initiative extends beyond raising awareness to providing resources, education, and support for addiction recovery and partnering with law enforcement to address the fentanyl threat.
Support for Legislative Measures
In addition to the awareness campaign, the trucking industry supports legislative efforts to curb the fentanyl crisis, such as the END FENTANYL Act. This act aims to enhance the capabilities of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in intercepting fentanyl before it infiltrates communities.
Campaign Design and Durability
TCF and Facing Fentanyl have worked with Lowen to create five distinctive graphic designs for 53’ trailers, produced with premium 3M vinyl and a protective film laminate for up to seven years of durability. Lowen’s commitment to offering these wraps at up to a 40% discount underscores the collaborative effort to make this campaign as impactful and accessible as possible.
Through this initiative, the trucking industry reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding public health and safety, employing its unique position to spread critical messages across the nation’s roadways. By uniting efforts with affected families, legislative bodies, and community partners, the trucking community aspires to turn the tide against the fentanyl epidemic and prevent further loss of life.
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