USPS to Issue New, Higher-Priced Stamps for Fentanyl Awareness Fundraising

The United States Postal Service (USPS) will release a new semipostal stamp on October 6, with proceeds dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for the fentanyl crisis. This specialized stamp, priced higher than standard postage, will contribute to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and its efforts to combat the ongoing overdose epidemic.

The stamp will be officially introduced at the "Know the Facts About Fentanyl" event at the National Institutes of Health campus in Bethesda, Maryland. A sheet of 20 stamps will cost $20, with the amount exceeding the cost of postage and processing allocated to NIDA. This initiative aims to advance research and promote greater access to treatment and recovery support.

USPS has a history of issuing semipostal stamps for various charitable causes, including breast cancer research, support for 9/11 emergency responders, and Alzheimer's research. The artwork for the new fentanyl awareness stamp is based on an illustration by Whitney Sherman and designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá. The stamp bears the message: "Know the Facts about Fentanyl — Protect Our Loved Ones."

Fentanyl is a leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nearly 48,000 drug-related deaths in 2024. The synthetic drug was involved in 75% of overdose deaths among individuals aged 10 to 19 between 2020 and 2024.