A Day to Remember and Act

by: Rob Tough

National Fentanyl Awareness Day, observed annually on May 7, serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of illicit fentanyl on communities across the nation. In 2024, Congress officially recognized this day through Senate Resolution 692, aiming to increase public awareness about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills and their impact on families and young people.  

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Trinity’s Legacy: A Catalyst for Change

Trinity Viola Ripley was a vibrant young individual whose life was tragically cut short due to fentanyl poisoning in 2023. In the wake of this unimaginable loss, her family channeled their grief into action by establishing Trinity’s Children, Inc. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to:
	•	Raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.
	•	Supporting families affected by fentanyl-related losses.
	•	Educating first responders and communities.
	•	Advocating for stricter laws to combat the fentanyl crisis.

Through community events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, Trinity’s Children, Inc. strives to ensure that no other family endures the pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl.

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  Trinity Viola Ripley 2/10/2005 - 12/13/2023

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Understanding the Fentanyl Crisis

	•	Potency: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
	•	Prevalence: Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs or pressed into counterfeit pills, leading to unintentional overdoses.
	•	Impact: In recent years, synthetic opioids like fentanyl have been responsible for a significant increase in overdose deaths across the United States. 

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How You Can Help

	•	Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the risks associated with fentanyl and share this knowledge within your community.
	•	Support Organizations: Consider donating to nonprofits like Trinity’s Children, Inc. that are actively working to combat the fentanyl crisis.
	•	Advocate for Change: Reach out to local and national legislators to support policies aimed at reducing the distribution and impact of illicit fentanyl.

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Join the Movement

By coming together as a community, we can honor the memories of those we’ve lost, like Trinity, and work towards a future free from the grip of fentanyl. Your support can make a difference.