The Ripple Effect: How One Conversation About Fentanyl Can Save a Life
At Wilson’s Wave, we believe that even the smallest action can create ripples that change lives. The fentanyl crisis has become one of the most devastating public health emergencies of our time, but we also know that awareness and education are among the most powerful tools we have to fight it.
Every day in North Carolina, 8 people lose their lives to fentanyl. That means 8 families shattered, 8 communities forever changed. Across the nation, fentanyl remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44, taking lives far too soon and often without warning. Many victims never intended to take fentanyl at all. It’s being found in counterfeit pills and other drugs that look legitimate but are deadly in even the smallest doses.
At the heart of this crisis is silence, stigma, and fear that prevent people from talking openly. But breaking that silence can be life-saving.
Starting the Conversation
Talking about fentanyl doesn’t have to be complicated. It begins with care, compassion, and curiosity. Ask questions. Share what you know. Make sure your friends and loved ones understand the risks, especially that fentanyl can be found in counterfeit pills and other substances that may look harmless.
You don’t have to be an expert to have the conversation; you just have to care enough to start it. A simple, honest discussion can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help someone make a safer choice. That’s the ripple effect in action.
Here are a few ways to begin:
Lead with empathy. Approach loved ones with concern, not judgment.
Share facts. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and can be deadly in as little as 2 milligrams.
Discuss safety. Talk about the importance of testing substances and knowing where to access Naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses.
Stay informed. The more we know, the better equipped we are to protect those we love.
Turning Awareness into Action
Wilson’s Wave began as one mother’s determination to turn heartbreak into hope. After losing her son, Wilson Moore, to an accidental fentanyl poisoning, Betsy Moore channeled her pain into purpose, creating Wilson’s Wave to raise awareness, educate communities, and help prevent other families from experiencing the same loss.
Through speaking engagements, educational programs, and community outreach, Betsy brings vital information and heartfelt storytelling to schools, churches, and organizations across North Carolina. Her message reminds us all that this crisis doesn’t discriminate and that awareness truly saves lives.
Join the Wave: Wake Up, Be Accountable, Use Your Voice, and Stay Educated
Together, we can protect our communities, prevent tragedy, and create a ripple effect of hope and healing. Learn more, book a speaking engagement, or support our mission at www.wilsonswave.org.
