NBC 7 undertook an in-depth investigation to move beyond the headlines and statistics, aiming to uncover how the fentanyl crisis emerged in San Diego County, the impact it continues to have on local communities, and the critical work still needed to address what has been labeled an epidemic. Throughout their reporting, they spoke with grieving parents who have lost their children, overdose survivors, academic and medical experts, government officials, and activists. The accounts from those on the front lines are candid, powerful, and at times deeply unsettling. By presenting these stories, NBC 7 seeks to provide San Diegans with a deeper understanding of the scope of the fentanyl crisis and to highlight the urgent need for collective action to protect families from future tragedies.