Utah’s new Fentanyl Task Force began their effort to stop the flow of fentanyl into the state of Utah, combining efforts from multiple governmental departments to promote prevention, treatment and law enforcement.
“This is a challenge that touches Utahns from every background,” Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement on X. “We are committed to reducing demand, addressing the root causes of substance abuse and disrupting trafficking networks.”
Gov. Cox announced the Fentanyl Task Force in an Oct. 15 press conference.
“Fentanyl is affecting all walks of life, from parents to professionals,” Cox said. “Everyone plays a role in helping us prevent this from moving forward.”
The new task force held a commencement meeting on Nov. 14 at the Utah State Capitol Board room to discuss and present recent data on fentanyl and explain the objectives of the newly formed task force.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has been linked to a sharp increase in overdose deaths in Utah, according to data reported at the commencement meeting by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. The department reported that fentanyl was involved in nearly 48% of drug-related fatalities in 2023, overtaking methamphetamine as the most common drug in overdose deaths.
The state recorded 606 overdose deaths last year, marking the highest number on record. Megan Broekemeier, an expert with the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, emphasized the urgent need for action.
“Fentanyl deaths more than doubled between 2019 and 2020 and have continued to increase sharply,” she said.
The Statewide Information and Analysis Center described the fentanyl threat as “substantial,” explaining the drug’s increasing availability and its mixture with other substances.
“The observed fentanyl threat to Utah in 2024 is substantial,” the center stated. “The availability of this potent and harmful substance will continue to increase, which will remain a substantial threat to public health moving forward.”
The Utah State Bureau of Investigation reported a threefold increase in 2023 compared to 2022. By mid-2024, authorities had already seized nearly 800,000 fentanyl pills, setting a record for the Rocky Mountain Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Utah Fentanyl Task Force has outlined how they plan to address the crisis through seven key objectives:
- Identifying gaps: Assess deficiencies in current prevention, treatment and enforcement strategies and develop actionable plans to address these gaps.
- Reducing demand: Promote educational campaigns and support addiction treatment to reduce dependency on fentanyl.
- Addressing root causes: Investigate social, economic and psychological factors driving fentanyl use, and recommend policy changes.
- Data-driven decisions: Collect and analyze data to guide resource allocation and response strategies.
- Strengthening collaboration: Improve partnerships between federal, state and local agencies for coordinated enforcement and treatment efforts.
- Disrupting trafficking networks: Conduct intelligence-led operations to target and dismantle fentanyl trafficking organizations.
- Policy recommendations: Create working groups to provide ongoing recommendations for prevention, treatment and enforcement improvements.
Task force officials emphasized the importance of family education and support in combating the crisis. Broekemeier outlined several priorities for families affected by substance use disorders, including:
- Educating families on signs, symptoms and treatment options
- Referrals to specialized services
- Support to families impacted by deaths from overdoses
The task force will also focus on rural areas and high-risk communities.
“The drug overdose death rate between 2021 and 2023 was highest in Southeast Health District," Broekemeier explained. "TriCounty, Salt Lake County and Weber-Morgan health districts also had significantly higher rates of drug overdose deaths than the rest of the state in this three-year period.“
The task force aims to reduce demand through prevention and treatment programs while addressing the underlying causes of addiction.
“Our goal is to ensure Utahns have access to the resources they need to recover and thrive,” the governor said.
With fentanyl spreading across all corners of Utah, officials hope the task force will be a turning point in combating the opioid crisis.
“It is happening everywhere,” Cox said. “And we must act now to protect the future of our communities.”