COVINGTON, Ky. — Attorney General Daniel Cameron was joined by other experts and advocates on Wednesday to launch Operation Fight Fentanyl with a roundtable discussion on tackling the drug crisis and a chance to hear from Kentuckians themselves impacted.

“I know often times northern Kentucky can feel they don’t necessarily get as much attention as other parts of the state, but we know that opioids and fentanyl in particular have hit this region hard,” Cameron said.

Kentucky ranks high in overdose deaths. Panelists shared in 2021, 2,250 Kentuckians lost their lives to overdose deaths, and fentanyl was involved in more than 70% of those deaths. In fact, fentanyl overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45. Panelists discussed how to put a stop to this. They shared ideas including furthering education, making resources more available, meeting people where they’re at — especially in those more rural communities, looking more into legislative efforts, and more.

Cameron said he and others want to continue efforts in combating the opioid epidemic. He said it’s been a discussion for years, and it’s time to take some action.

“But actually taking action and funding programs and helping with interdiction efforts,” Cameron shared on efforts to move forward.

Operation Fight Fentanyl shares online they’ll continue to meet rather regularly, with Feb. 28 2023 as the next meeting. They’re looking to meet in Pendleton county, with a location to be determined.