A Historic Moment in the Fight Against The Fentanyl Crisis

This past week, I had the profound honor of attending a press conference at the Department of Justice, where Attorney General Pam Bondi hosted the 47th President of the United States. It was a moment unlike any other in my seven-year fight against fentanyl—one that marked a tangible shift from advocacy to action.

Over the years, I’ve met with countless congressional leaders, visited the White House multiple times, and urged those in power to take meaningful steps to address the fentanyl crisis. But this time felt different. This time, we weren’t just pleading for change—we were witnessing it.

A Long-Awaited National Media Campaign On The Fentanyl Crisis

For years, affected families have been calling for an aggressive, widespread media campaign to warn the public about fentanyl. To finally hear that this initiative is happening was a powerful moment—one filled with relief, validation, and bittersweet emotion.

The President recognized the devastating losses our families have endured and acknowledged the relentless advocacy we’ve led on behalf of the millions of bereaved families across the U.S. His words served as both recognition of our pain and a commitment to action.

Meeting the Leaders Driving Change

A special highlight of the trip was spending time with Derek Maltz, a steadfast advocate for impacted families and a key figure in the fight against fentanyl. I also had the opportunity to meet our incoming DEA Administrator, Terry Cole, who has made it clear that he is ready to take on fentanyl traffickers and support affected families in this battle. Their leadership and commitment are crucial in turning advocacy into policy.

Legislative Action: The HALT Fentanyl Act

While we gathered at the DOJ, another significant event was unfolding—Congress was passing the HALT Fentanyl Act. This legislation represents another critical step forward in combatting this crisis. It reinforces the bipartisan momentum needed to save lives, disrupt the criminal networks fueling this epidemic, and bring justice to the families devastated by fentanyl poisoning.

The Fight Continues

This moment at the DOJ was a milestone, but our fight is far from over. The fentanyl crisis remains one of the greatest threats to public health and safety in our nation. However, we are seeing real movement—decisive steps from those in power, recognition of affected families, and a commitment to action.

Together, we are stronger. And together, we will keep pushing forward to end the stigma, raise awareness, and ensure no more families suffer the pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl poisoning.