Fentanyl poisoning from counterfeit pills continues to devastate communities across the United States. In 2024 alone, over 80,000 lives were lost from drug overdoses. In 2023, synthetic opioids—primarily fentanyl—were involved in over 74,000 overdose deaths, making them the leading cause of drug-related fatalities.
Among the most alarming trends is the rise in adolescent deaths: youth ages 14 to 18 have experienced a significant surge in fentanyl-related fatalities in recent years, with counterfeit pills being a major driver. Many of these teens turn to counterfeit pills—often bought through social media—seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or peer pressure. Most have no idea that over 50% of these pills, according to the DEA, now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
Through this research, the CDC has shown that approximately 25% of youth fentanyl deaths are linked to counterfeit pills, and nearly two-thirds of those who died showed no evidence of previous opioid use—suggesting that many young people are dying from first-time or experimental use.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for proactive prevention and education efforts in schools and communities.
At Fentanyl Fathers, we believe education is prevention.
We are a Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed by bereaved fathers who have each experienced the unimaginable: the loss of a child to fentanyl poisoning. Our mission is rooted in grief—but fueled by purpose. We are dedicated to reaching middle and high school students with life-saving information and skills to prevent more senseless deaths.
Our school assembly program is a 45-minute experience designed to connect with students through emotion, evidence, and action. Each presentation includes:
- A DEA-reviewed, evidence-based fentanyl awareness slide deck
- Dead on Arrival, an award-winning documentary
- Personal testimonies from fathers who share the real impact of loss
- Step-by-step training on how to recognize an overdose and use naloxone (Narcan)
These presentations are always free to schools and districts. We’ve already presented in over 200 schools across the country—75 of them in Southeast Michigan this past academic year alone. Many schools choose to offer assemblies by grade level or in small group formats to enhance emotional safety and connection.
To evaluate our impact, we administer pre- and post-surveys to student participants. Results show consistent gains in:
- Awareness of fentanyl’s presence in counterfeit pills and illicit drug supplies
- Understanding the signs and symptoms of overdose
- Willingness and confidence to act using naloxone appropriately to save a life
Our model doesn’t rely on fear tactics—it relies on awareness, compassion, empowerment to make informed decisions and storytelling backed by evidence-based prevention campaigns and behavioral theory models predictive of positive health behavior changes. It’s about empowering students to protect their own lives and the lives of their peers.
As we plan for the 2025–2026 school year, we are actively scheduling schools across Michigan and beyond. We recognize that school leaders are stretched thin. That’s why our team handles all logistics, aligns with your SEL and health curriculum standards, and offers pre-written communications for parents and staff.
This work is more than a mission—it’s a movement. And we hope you’ll be a part of it.
Because one pill can kill. But one presentation—one conversation—can save a life.
Visit fentanylfathers.org to learn more, or reach out to Mike Gillette, Fentanyl Fathers’ Michigan Director, at mike@fentanylfathers.org to bring a presentation to your school.