Fentanyl Free Community Foundation Makes Impactful Presentation at Minnesota District 47 Republican Committee Meeting
The Fentanyl Free Community Foundation recently held a compelling presentation at the Minnesota District 47 Republican Committee meeting, led by Chairwoman Michele Hein and board members Michelle Loberg and Brian Hilgardner. The event was a significant stride in the foundation’s ongoing efforts to educate, raise awareness, and shape policy regarding the fentanyl crisis.
Key Highlights from the Presentation:
- Alarming Fentanyl Statistics: The presentation underscored the severity of the fentanyl crisis with striking statistics:
- Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for ages 18-45.
- One fentanyl death occurs every 9 minutes in the U.S.
- A dramatic increase in teen deaths and drug overdose fatalities, with fentanyl involvement in 80% of youth drug deaths.
- Specific figures on overdose deaths in Minnesota show a worrying upward trend.
- Understanding Fentanyl vs. Illicit Fentanyl: The distinction between medically approved Fentanyl and Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl (IMF) was clarified. The dangers of IMF, often mixed with other drugs and sold illicitly, were highlighted.
- Actionable Steps for the Community: The foundation outlined simple yet impactful steps the public can take, including educating oneself, supporting affected individuals, advocating for policy change, and raising awareness in the community.
- Personal Stories of Loss: The presentation was made more poignant with the personal stories of Tyler Hein, Tristen Hilgardner, and Nicholas Hunter Loberg, whose lives were tragically cut short due to fentanyl poisoning. These stories brought a human face to the statistics and emphasized the urgency of the crisis.
- Call to Action: Attendees were encouraged to contact local legislators, including Senator Nicole Mitchell, Representative Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, and Representative Ethan Cha, to inquire about actions being taken to combat the fentanyl crisis.
Join the Effort:
The event concluded with a call to action, inviting attendees and the broader community to join the Foundation’s mission. Ways to support include volunteering through the Foundation’s website and making donations to aid in their mission to protect Minnesota families.
Contact Information:
- Michele Hein, Chair, Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation
- Phone: 612-868-1813
- Website: Fentanylfreecommunities.org
- Volunteer Link: Volunteer with FFC
- Donation Link: Donate to FFC
This presentation marked a significant milestone in the Foundation’s efforts to confront the fentanyl crisis head-on. The integration of factual information with personal narratives created a powerful impact, driving home the urgency of the situation and mobilizing community action.
