On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Bernalillo County will join communities across the United States in observing National Fentanyl Awareness Day (NFAD). This important day focuses on educating people about the deadly risks of fentanyl and helping to prevent fentanyl-related deaths through lifesaving information and community awareness.
Bernalillo County’s Commitment to Saving Lives
Partnering with the national nonprofit Song for Charlie, Bernalillo County is promoting two free virtual events aimed at educating parents, educators, community leaders, and young people. These events are open to everyone and will also be available for on-demand viewing after the live sessions.
Deputy County Manager for General Services, Lisa Sedillo White, said, “Bernalillo County is committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting people to life-saving resources. Through our keepNMalive campaign and partnerships with the community, we are working together to save lives and bring hope to those impacted by the fentanyl crisis.”
NFAD 2025 Virtual Events Schedule – April 29
The New Drug Talk: Community Edition
Time: 1 p.m. Mountain Time (MT)
Audience: Parents, caregivers, companies, and community leaders
Details:
- Screening of “The New Drug Talk” (27 minutes)
- Live Q&A session with medical experts, prevention professionals, and impacted families
Real Talk About Fake Pills: Educator Edition
Time: 4 p.m. Mountain Time (MT)
Audience: Teachers, school staff, and student leaders
Details:
- Screening of “Real Talk About Fake Pills” (20 minutes)
- Practical tips for educators and a panel discussion with education experts
To learn more and register for these events, visit:
fentanylawarenessday.org/page/virtual-screening-event
The keepNMalive Campaign: Raising Awareness Since 2022
Bernalillo County’s keepNMalive campaign, launched in 2022, continues to lead efforts in prevention and recovery. The campaign connects residents to treatment and support resources, shares real stories from people affected by fentanyl, and works with harm reduction and healthcare providers.
The main message of keepNMalive is simple but powerful:
Start the conversation. Reduce the stigma. Save lives.
Continuing the Fight Against Fentanyl
Ed Ternan, co-founder of Song for Charlie, added, “We’re encouraged by recent signs of progress in reducing overdose deaths. But our work isn’t done. With expanded educational resources like our new film for teens, Real Talk About Fake Pills, we are working to reach every student, parent, family, and community with the knowledge they need to navigate today’s drug landscape safely.”
Bernalillo County’s recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day shows its strong commitment to protecting lives and building healthier communities. By educating families, teachers, and young people about the real dangers of fake pills and illicit fentanyl, the county is taking an active stand against this crisis. Programs like keepNMalive and partnerships with organizations like Song for Charlie are helping spark important conversations, reduce stigma, and provide hope for a safer future for all residents.
