U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), released the following statement after news reports surfaced of Chinese citizens, suspected of espionage, attempting to breach military installations in Alaska:
Whether it’s a Chinese spy balloon, Russian Bear Bombers, or this new reporting of suspected Chinese spies in Alaska, this is another wake-up call that we are in a new era of authoritarian aggression led by dictators in China and Russia,” Senator Sullivan said. “It’s also another example of just how important Alaska is for America’s national defense. In my oversight role, I am pressing for more details on these alleged security breaches and will continue to work with the Defense Department to ensure our installations in Alaska remain secure.
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan
Washington, D.C.
Drug use prevention and education can be the first line of defense and ultimately save lives
Drug use is dangerous and even more so in the age of fentanyl. With the increasing number of overdose deaths in Alaska, spreading awareness, prevention, and education has never been more critical. Overdose deaths in Alaska have increased annually, with a death rate of 17.8 out of every 100,000 residents.
Most of these deaths are connected to opioids like fentanyl. Youth and adults who begin experimenting with or using drugs have an increased risk of experiencing a drug overdose, whether fatal or not.
Even those who use alcohol place themselves at risk if they choose to use illegal drugs while intoxicated. Illegal fentanyl has been found in marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and methamphetamine. It is also made to look like pain medication or other prescription pills.
It’s easy for anyone to buy and sell drugs today. Social media platforms, for example, have made fentanyl widely available to anyone with a smartphone. Every neighborhood is now an open-air drug market. Drugs purchased online are then shipped to your doorstep.
There has always been a risk when using illegal drugs for the first time. Yet, because of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, the stakes have increased tenfold.
This is why SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education has put together a series of educational videos for kids and adults to help increase awareness, promote prevention, and provide tips for parents. Prevention and education can be the first line of defense and ultimately save lives. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of any help to your community.
This is a message from SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education.
Vicky Gemme, SUPE
Public Relations Coordinator
