In a poignant and deeply personal episode of the Grieving Out Loud podcast, host Angela Kennecke sits down with Michele Hein, Chair of the Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation. Both Angela and Michele share a bond born of unimaginable loss: Angela lost her daughter Emily in 2018, and Michele lost her son Tyler in 2020, both to fentanyl poisoning. Together, they discuss their personal journeys, the devastating impact of fentanyl, and their ongoing advocacy to prevent more families from enduring the same tragedy.
Michele Hein opens up about her son Tyler—a bright, talented young man and U.S. Marine who tragically lost his life to a single counterfeit pill containing fentanyl. Michele shares her struggles to understand addiction, her attempts to help Tyler navigate his challenges, and the immense grief of losing a child. She also reflects on the stigma that kept her family silent about Tyler’s battle until it was too late.
In this powerful episode, Michele and Angela explore the systemic issues fueling the fentanyl epidemic, from the deceptive nature of counterfeit pills to the societal stigmas that prevent open conversations about substance use disorder. Michele shares her mission through Fentanyl Free Communities: to educate the public, advocate for stronger policies, and empower young people to pause and think before making life-altering decisions.
Highlights of the podcast include:
- Michele’s emotional account of Tyler’s life, struggles, and legacy.
- The role of stigma in delaying life-saving interventions for those battling addiction.
- Practical strategies for raising awareness, including Michele’s work with the PAUSE program, which targets young people with impactful, peer-led messaging.
- A discussion about the importance of partnerships between advocacy groups, law enforcement, and policymakers to combat the fentanyl crisis.
Angela and Michele’s conversation is not just a call to action; it’s a reminder of the power of shared stories to drive change. Both women emphasize the need for community-driven solutions, early education, and accessible resources to combat this public health emergency.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the human toll of the fentanyl epidemic and the incredible resilience of those working to save lives.
