PROTECTING BLACK FAMILIES FROM FENTANYL THROUGH AWARENESS, ACTION & HEALING
Fentanyl is taking too many of our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. While overdose deaths have decreased nationally, they continue to rise in Black communities. We're partnering with Black leaders, families and organizations to bring lifesaving information and resources into communities most impacted. By centering Black voices, stories and cultural context, we can bring urgency and healing to this crisis. Together, we can protect our families and change the future.
Black men: Overdose death rates more than tripled between 2015 and 2020.
Black elders: In some states, Black adults over age 55 are up to five times more likely than their white counterparts to die from overdoses.
Black teens: Fentanyl deaths have risen 20x in the last decade.
"Our son, Noah, passed away on May 2, 2023, after taking what he believed was a Xanax pill. He wasn’t looking to get high — he was looking for relief from his struggle with bipolar II disorder. But the pill was counterfeit, laced with fentanyl.
If we or Noah had known more about the dangers of “fentapills,” his death might have been preventable. That thought will stay with us forever.
There is no word in any language for the loss of a child — perhaps because such a loss feels beyond words. The impact of Noah’s passing has rippled through our family and community in ways we could never have imagined.
We share his story so that others might be spared the pain we live with every day — and so that more young people can learn the truth before it’s too late."
Andrea and Chris Mack
Fentanyl is powerful, fast-acting and often hidden:
In fake prescription pills that look exactly like Percocet, Xanax and Adderall. You can't tell the difference—even dealers can't.
In powders like cocaine and party pills like molly/MDMA.
Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl—equal to a few grains of sand—can be deadly.
Learn the facts about fentanyl and fake prescription pills, other dangerous chemicals in today’s street drug supply, and how to respond to overdose.
Teach healthy coping. Your kids watch how you handle stress—show them healthier ways than substances and pills.
Talk to your kids. When parents talk to kids about fake prescription dangers, 83% of teens become less likely to misuse pills.
1. Holding community events in barbershops and trusted spaces where families and local leaders already gather.
2. Uplifting Black voices by sharing stories from families who've been impacted—breaking silence, building awareness.
3. Supporting student leaders on school campuses who want to protect their peers by engaging in open conversations.