Acclaimed journalists and filmmakers John Donvan and Caren Zucker examine America’s ongoing fentanyl crisis, concentrating on saving lives and educating people about the dangers of the drug, as well as demonstrating how to reverse the effects of an overdose.
Along with other parents, Zucker shares the story of her own heartbreaking experience of losing her son Jonah to fentanyl in a powerful new special that she co-produced, “To Save a Life, A National Fentanyl Alarm.” The special will be broadcast tonight (Oct. 31) on Scripps News at 9 p.m. and available on all streaming platforms.
“Alarm bells are sounding for the fentanyl crisis, but not enough people seem to be hearing them,” Zucker said. “The proof for that is that kids keep dying — kids who had no idea they were even being exposed to this deadly drug, cynically deployed by dealers to expand their profits, whatever the cost. We want to change that, to get the warning across clearly, effectively and lastingly.”
Zucker’s son Jonah was 25 when he was poisoned by the synthetic opioid — which is so lethal that it only takes about two milligrams (the equivalent of five grains of salt) to kill an adult.
Zucker co-hosts and co-produces the special with veteran correspondent Donvan and together they speak with educators, law enforcement officials and family members of those lost to fentanyl — including Ed Ternan, a leading parent advocate and founder of “Song for Charlie.” The program will spotlight stories of the losses happening across the country and bring insight on how we can all take steps to change the course of this trend that continues to be the number one cause of death among Americans 55 and under.
“The goal is to bring attention to solutions to the crisis and save lives,” Donvan said. “Too many kids keep dying even though precautions can be taken, such as calling 911 or having naloxone (Narcan) on hand and knowing how to use it.”
In addition to the Oct. 31 premiere, the special also will air on Scripps News on the following dates and times:
Donvan, Zucker and Jon Meyersohn are executive producers. Lisa Cohen is an executive producer for Scripps News.
About Scripps News:
Scripps News is the nation’s only free 24/7 broadcast news network, serving viewers opinion-free national and international news across the United States. Scripps News partners with the Scripps local station group to cover news from over 50 bureaus. Scripps News is available in more than 94% of U.S. television homes free and over the air with a digital antenna, on mobile with the Scripps News app and online at ScrippsNews.com. It is also carried on streaming platforms and services, including Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto TV, Apple TV, Sling, Vizio and Xumo. Scripps News is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).
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