National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day: Honoring Lives, Amplifying Voices
- Matthew Boone
- Aug 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
Remembering Loved Ones Beyond Their Struggle
Today is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day: a time of remembrance, reflection, and advocacy. For many grieving families, this day is not just about raising awareness of the dangers of fentanyl—it’s also about honoring their loved ones for who they truly were, beyond the struggles of substance use disorder.
Through shared quotes and stories, families highlighted the powerful and lasting impact their loved ones had on others. The message was clear: their deaths will not be minimized, overlooked, or forgotten. Their lives continue to inspire action, awareness, and change.
The Long-Term Impact of Loss
A recurring theme throughout the day was the immense and enduring grief that families live with after losing a loved one to fentanyl poisoning. Parents and loved ones often describe it not as “moving on” but as learning to carry the weight of grief every day. It reshapes lives, relationships, and communities, demanding both healing and action.
Honoring Scott’s Story
We are deeply proud that our Founder and CEO, Jill Cichowicz, was invited to participate in a private documentary, sharing the story of her beloved twin brother, Scott Zebrowski, who tragically lost his life to fentanyl poisoning. Though it is emotionally taxing for Jill to continually revisit this pain, her courage ensures that Scott’s story may save lives that we will never fully know about.
Scott and Jill’s mother, Linda Zebrowski, also powerfully spoke during the event. Her testimony shed light on the long-term effects that families endure after losing someone they love to the fentanyl crisis. Linda’s words underscored the reality that fentanyl does not just take one life—it ripples out and devastates entire families and communities.
Gratitude for Our Partners in Advocacy
This day of remembrance and awareness would not have been possible without the tireless work of so many advocates and organizations. A heartfelt thank you to Andrea Thomas, Facing Fentanyl, Jaime Ignacio Puerta Gonzalez, VOID (Victims of Illicit Drugs), the Black Poster Project, and everyone who helped make this remarkable event a success.
Your commitment to raising awareness, supporting families, and fighting to prevent more lives from being lost strengthens our shared mission.
Continuing Our Mission
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day was a reminder of why we do this work. At 2 End The Stigma, we will never stop fighting to honor those we’ve lost, support grieving families, and educate others about the fentanyl crisis. Together, WE WILL continue 2 End The Stigma. 💜💜
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