Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Movement Gains Momentum in Charleston, S.C.

Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Gains Traction in Charleston, S.C.

Charleston, S.C. is witnessing a growing initiative led by advocates determined to shine a light on the dangers of fentanyl poisoning. The organization Fentanyl Kills U (FKU), based in York County, is making strides in educating communities throughout the Lowcountry about the severe risks posed by drugs laced with this potent substance. With a heartbreaking personal story at its helm, FKU aims to raise awareness and prevent more tragedies.

The Heartfelt Mission of FKU

Co-founder Holly Alsobrooks knows the pain all too well. Tragically, she lost her 25-year-old son, Cody, to fentanyl poisoning back in 2020. Instead of letting this tragedy silence her, she has taken to empowering others to speak up and help educate families on the dangers lurking within illicit drugs. “Parents have to talk to their kids, I don’t care if you don’t think your kids are doing it,” Alsobrooks stated passionately. “You have to have this conversation over and over and over. And they need to be scared, because kids think it’s not going to happen to them either.”

On a recent Saturday, Alsobrooks gathered with a group of mothers from the Charleston area, united by their shared mission to prevent others from enduring a similar heartache. Among them was Denis Snipes, who tragically lost her only son to the very same fate in March 2024. “As much as it hurts, we need to spread the word. If it saves somebody else’s kid, that’s great. No parent should have to go through this,” Snipes shared, underscoring the importance of their collective efforts.

Alarming Statistics Shed Light on the Crisis

To put the dangers of fentanyl into perspective, in 2022, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) discovered over 50.6 million counterfeit pills containing fentanyl circulating across the nation. Just a minuscule amount of this substance—about the size of a grain of salt—can be lethal. As of August 2023, Governor Henry McMaster signed a Fentanyl Trafficking Bill into law, aiming to impose stricter penalties on those who distribute fentanyl and related drugs.

Crucial Conversations and Lifesaving Measures

Alsobrooks believes that open conversations about drug use must become a standard practice among parents and their children. “Kids don’t do drugs; they know they shouldn’t. But they’re still going to try it anyway,” she remarked. She urges parents to make sure their children check on friends during parties and to avoid placing an unresponsive friend on the couch, as this can lead to deadly consequences.

Moreover, helping to combat this crisis, Alsobrooks highlights the significance of having Narcan Nasal Spray on hand, which can reverse the effects of fentanyl poisoning. Being able to recognize the symptoms of an overdose is vital for everyone, as these can include shallow breathing, unresponsiveness, and a blue tint to the skin, especially around the lips and fingernails.

Transforming Tragedy into Awareness

Alsobrooks is determined that her son’s death will not be in vain. “Friends don’t give friends drugs,” she solemnly states, reflecting on how easily young people share substances without grasping the potential consequences. “They think it’s just one pill; nothing’s going to happen. But that’s exactly what happened to Cody.”

If you feel compelled to join the fight against fentanyl poisoning or want to learn more about this important initiative, connecting with organizations like Fentanyl Kills U can be the first step toward sparking change in your community.