EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The impacts of the opioid epidemic and the rise of synthetic opioids are hard to overstate. The National Institute on Drug Abuse shows nationwide overdose deaths involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids vastly outpacing all other drug categories as early as 2016, a trend that's mirrored in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. U.S. Overdose Deaths, Select Drugs or Drug Categories, 1999-2022. Courtesy National Institute on Drug Abuse. In "Saving a Generation: The Fentanyl Crisis," we look at the work being done to save the next generation of children falling victim to the deadly drug, put faces on this disturbing trend, and talk to the families who now tirelessly work for change. Then in "Saving a Generation: Local Impacts of the Fentanyl Crisis," 12 News takes a look at the toll fentanyl has taken even closer to home. Watch Saving a Generation: The Fentanyl Crisis on WPRI 12 at 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30. Then, catch Saving a Generation: Local Impacts of the Fentanyl Crisis at 10:30 p.m. on FOX Providence. Watch: The Impact of Opioids » The Impact of Opioids: How to Get Help » Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Special Coverage & Notices SIGN UP NOW