Op-Ed: Jaclyn Stapp: We must make America fentanyl free
Jaclyn Stapp explains how and why to make America fentanyl free
As a mother, nonprofit founder, and Board Member of Make America Fentanyl Free, I have witnessed firsthand how the fentanyl crisis devastates families, steals futures, and erodes communities. The presence of fentanyl and other deadly drugs skyrocketed in American communities under the Biden administration’s open border policies, which allowed dangerous criminals, terrorists, and deadly drugs to pour into our country.
Today, fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. Just a few grains — an amount that could fit on the tip of a pencil — can be fatal. Even more jarring is the fact that fentanyl is often not consumed intentionally. It’s hidden in counterfeit pills, cocaine, marijuana, and other substances. One mistake, one pill, one bad decision — can end a life. The fentanyl crisis has become a national emergency that demands urgent action.
On day one in office, President Donald Trump answered the call and acted. He shut down the dangerous, open border and stemmed the flow of deadly fentanyl through our country. As a result, fentanyl traffic at the border fell by 54 percent within the first months of the Trump administration. In order to continue eradicating deadly fentanyl from our communities, the Make America Fentanyl Free ad campaign was launched to join the president’s fight.
Make America Fentanyl Free is a multi-million-dollar ad campaign broadcast on national and local television and across all major social media platforms is designed to do four things: reduce the number of Americans killed by fentanyl, inform every American about the devastating effects of fentanyl, educate the public about its hidden dangers, and send a strong unequivocal message to Mexican drug cartels that actions leading to American deaths or harm will result in serious consequences.
This campaign isn’t funded by taxpayers. It’s powered by Americans who refuse to stand by while fentanyl takes more lives. Through national television ads, social media, and our website, MakeAmericaFentanylFree.com, we are reaching those who need to hear this message most: young people tempted by pills at a party, parents unaware of what’s circulating in their communities, and families who need resources to help a loved one.
The first ads we released are highly targeted towards young people. For example, the “Ghosts” ad illustrates the dangers of fentanyl with one young person saying: “Best birthday party ever! Well, except for the weed. Turns out, it was laced with fentanyl and a birthday I’ll never forget because it was my last.”
For the sake of our nation’s young people, the crisis is urgent — but it is not hopeless. President Trump acted, but now it is up to all of us to join him and help build on the progress he made.
I’ve spent my life working to lift up children and families through education, empowerment, and compassion. This fight is a continuation of that mission. Because if we fail to act, we risk losing an entire generation to a poison that knows no boundaries. This is not just about statistics. It’s about children losing parents, parents burying children, and communities facing holes that can never be filled. I’ve spent a large amount of my career empowering young people. I’ve seen how hope, guidance, and opportunity can change lives. But I’ve also seen how quickly fentanyl can erase those opportunities.
Let us come together — not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans — committed to saving lives and protecting our future. It is time to Make America Fentanyl Free.
Jaclyn Stapp is a Make America Fentanyl Free board member, founder of the non-profit CHARM (Children are Magical), former Mrs. Florida America 2008, and Miss New York USA 2004.
Make America Fentanyl Free was launched to support President Trump’s efforts to save American lives from deadly fentanyl, which continues to be a leading cause of death for young Americans. It is a multi-million dollar ad campaign, launched without taxpayer money, that is broadcast on national and local television, across all major social media platforms, and MakeAmericaFentanylFree.com to reach the communities bearing the brunt of fentanyl’s devastating impacts. The website also includes resources for those who may be struggling from addiction themselves or have family members and friends who are.