Boise, Idaho – Families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl are taking their grief and turning it into action, launching a series of billboards across the city aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of the deadly drug. The billboards, unveiled Saturday, feature the faces of individuals who died from fentanyl poisoning, serving as a stark reminder of the growing crisis in Idaho and nationwide.
The initiative comes as fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths continue to climb in Idaho. According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, illicit fentanyl is increasingly found in counterfeit pills designed to resemble prescription medications like oxycodone and Xanax, often purchased illegally through social media and e-commerce platforms. The drug’s potency – 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine – means even compact amounts can be fatal.
Elisha Garrison, whose 26-year-old son Jacob died from fentanyl poisoning on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, shared her story at Saturday’s event. She described her son as “highly loving, kind-hearted, intelligent. he could light up any room,” and expressed shock at his death, as there were no initial indications of substance apply. Garrison is now working with Leona’s Legacy of Love to spread awareness and prevent further tragedies. “We want to bring fentanyl awareness to Idaho and let people know this is preventable,” she said.
Billboards Aim to Spark Conversation and Prevention
The billboards are strategically placed at high-traffic locations in Boise, including the intersection of 27th and Main streets and near 2900 South Cole Road. Organizers hope the visual impact will not only warn the public but also encourage conversations about the risks associated with fentanyl. Alongside the billboard unveiling, advocates distributed Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
This effort reflects a broader push for stronger penalties for those involved in the distribution of fentanyl. Families involved in the awareness campaign are advocating for stricter laws to hold drug traffickers accountable. The Boise Police Department recently highlighted the severity of the problem, announcing in December 2025 the seizure of enough fentanyl during a traffic stop to potentially kill over 500 people. The driver, Adrian Velasco, 55, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, and is currently held on a $2 million bail.
Idaho Faces Growing Fentanyl Crisis
The rise of fentanyl in Idaho is part of a national trend. The drug is often manufactured illegally in laboratories and distributed in various forms, including powder, pills, liquids, and even disguised as candies. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare emphasizes that the best way to prevent a fentanyl-related overdose is to avoid illicit substances altogether, and to be cautious about pills not obtained directly from a licensed pharmacy.
In 2023, a major drug bust in Idaho led to the confiscation of 48,000 fentanyl pills, and eleven individuals were sentenced last month in connection with the case. Investigators also conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to a news release from the District of Idaho U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Families who have experienced loss are emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of opioid overdose and knowing how to administer Narcan. Resources for naloxone administration training and information about fentanyl risks are available through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/behavioral-health/fentanyl.
What’s Next in Idaho’s Fight Against Fentanyl
As Idaho continues to grapple with the fentanyl crisis, ongoing efforts to raise awareness, increase access to Narcan, and strengthen law enforcement efforts are crucial. The focus will likely remain on disrupting the supply chain of illicit fentanyl and providing support to individuals struggling with addiction. Further legislative action regarding drug trafficking penalties and treatment options is also anticipated.
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