In 2017, the U.S. government declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency, highlighting the alarming rise in deaths related to fentanyl and prescription opioids. This declaration aimed to mobilize resources and strategies to combat the crisis affecting millions of Americans. The opioid epidemic has had profound social and economic impacts, prompting discussions about healthcare, addiction treatment, and drug policy. This event marked a critical moment in addressing a national health crisis.

The US opioid epidemic declared a public health emergency in 2017 sparked a surge in contemporary poetry addressing themes of grief and addiction. Poets like Ocean Vuong have used their work to reflect on personal and societal struggles related to this crisis.