PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — United Against Fentanyl (UAF), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization working to end the illicit fentanyl crisis in America, today announced the launch of the Fentanyl Families Network (FFN)—a nationwide membership community designed to inform, support, and mobilize families affected by fentanyl overdose and poisoning. The Network launches in partnership with Hope Movement Coalition, a national organization founded by a bereaved mother that provides trauma-informed grief support to families navigating sudden loss.
According to the American Medical Association, roughly one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose. Of those deaths, over 50 million Americans have been directly affected by fentanyl—including coworkers, friends, and family members. Approximately one million of them are parents who have buried a child. Illicit fentanyl remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, with over 10 high school students dying each week. Despite these staggering numbers, bereaved families often face their grief in isolation, burdened by stigma and the absence of a credible, unifying national organization to channel their loss into collective action.
The Fentanyl Familes Network addresses this gap. Open to all parents, family members, friends, and community leaders—whether directly affected by fentanyl poisoning or committed to protecting others—the Network provides support at every stage of a family’s journey, from grief through healing to advocacy. Membership is completely free.
“This network was born out of necessity,” said Paul Martin, Founder and President of United Against Fentanyl. “Hundreds of bereaved family members from across the nation have come to us since our launch in 2024. They expressed a deep desire to be part of a national community where they could make sense of their loss through grief support and also be part of a national movement to bring lasting change to this crisis.”
Members of the Fentanyl Families Network receive:
Monthly Email Updates: Curated information on the fentanyl crisis, policy developments, new resources, and stories from families across the country.
Weekly Grief Support: Trauma-informed, virtual support sessions delivered through Hope Movement Coalition—led by people who understand the depth of this loss because they have lived it.
Walk for Lives: Access to UAF’s signature community events in cities across the nation, where survivors, families, first responders, and community leaders walk together to honor those lost and provide lifesaving awareness, education, and resources.
Advocacy and Policy Work: Opportunities to share personal stories with lawmakers, join campaigns for stronger fentanyl legislation, and help shape common-sense, bipartisan policies that protect the next generation
Hope Movement Coalition, founded by Staci James after the loss of her son Hagan to fentanyl poisoning, serves as the Fentanyl Families Network’s grief support partner. Through this partnership, Hope Movement Coalition provides weekly virtual grief support sessions, an annual Angel Family Luncheon held in conjunction with its Bridge the Gap awareness event, Good Grief: Shared Light for Shadow Seasons—a fall retreat designed to help families prepare for the holiday season—and Conquering Grief: From the Battlefield to Hope, an eight-week grief course offering structure, support, and practical tools for healing.
“Our work at Hope Movement Coalition was born out of devastating loss. We know what it means to sit in the darkest moments and search for a reason to keep going,” said James. “Partnering with United Against Fentanyl allows us to reach families across the entire country with the kind of support we wish we had—trauma-informed, compassionate, and led by people who truly understand. No one should grieve alone.”
United Against Fentanyl has set an ambitious goal of enrolling 2,500 members in the Network’s first 90 days and 10,000 members by the end of 2026, with a five-year target of 600,000 members—on par with the membership scale achieved by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) during its most impactful years.
How to Join
Membership in the Fentanyl Familes Network is free and open to anyone—whether seeking support, searching for community, ready to turn grief into action, or simply committed to protecting families. To learn more click HERE.
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About Hope Movement Coalition
Hope Movement Coalition was born out of the devastating loss of loved ones to fentanyl poisoning and opioid-related deaths. Founded by Staci James, a bereaved mother, the organization provides unwavering support to those navigating the complicated grieving process, helps them find strength in their darkest moments, and serves as a voice for the voiceless in communities across the nation. Based in Sherwood, Arkansas, Hope Movement Coalition offers grief support, counseling placement, financial assistance, and community events including its annual Bridge the Gap overdose and fentanyl poisoning awareness event. Learn more at hopemovementcoalition.com.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Hellstern
