By Trish Svoboda

On July 2nd, Representative Sharice Davids engaged with the Midwest High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program to discuss the impact of a new $15.9 million federal grant aimed at seizing illicit drugs like fentanyl. She joined a Kansas Highway Patrol officer on patrol and met with the Overland Park Crisis Action Team, which supports mental health during emergencies. The grant will enhance drug seizures, reduce associated violent crime, and improve data collection to safeguard Kansans.

“In our state and around the country, the fentanyl crisis has become a public health emergency. That’s why I helped bring these new resources home to Kansas to help local law enforcement get these illicit drugs off our streets and keep families safe and healthy,” said Davids. “Addressing this crisis head-on will require all of us working together, and it was inspiring to see this collaboration in action today.”

Davids, a member of the bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus, has been a vocal advocate for opioid prevention. She co-sponsored legislation to raise awareness about synthetic opioids and has worked closely with Midwest HIDTA on fentanyl summits and legislative actions tailored to Kansas’ needs.