The Opioid Epidemic: Advocates Share Personal Losses and Call for Action
Founder of Fentanyl Fathers nonprofit, Greg Swan, recently opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his son to a fentanyl-laced overdose during a town hall event in Oakland County. The emotional event also featured Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, who highlighted the alarming increase in overdose deaths linked to fentanyl and urged the public to be vigilant, particularly when it comes to counterfeit pills.
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is becoming a major factor in drug overdose deaths in Michigan, with a staggering 72% of Oakland County deaths in 2024 being attributed to the drug. In response to this crisis, law enforcement officials are shifting their focus from enforcement and prosecution to education and saving lives.
Speakers at the event, including family law attorney Rebecca Kiessling and Lisa Daniels Goldman from the Jamie Daniels Foundation, emphasized the importance of education and prevention resources for individuals struggling with substance use disorder, their families, law enforcement, and schools. Kiessling, who tragically lost two sons to fentanyl overdoses, stressed the significance of real people sharing their stories to educate and inspire students.
The Oakland County Community Health Network is taking action by connecting individuals with treatment services and embedding school health navigators in specific communities to address questions and concerns from families dealing with substance use disorder. With the opioid epidemic continuing to ravage communities, advocates are calling for increased awareness, education, and support to combat this deadly crisis.