Lexington Local Foundation Hosts First ‘Families Fighting Fentanyl’ Event
In an effort to combat the escalating fentanyl crisis in the U.S., Lexington’s Bright Light Foundation recently held its first Families Fighting Fentanyl event. The inaugural initiative took place at the Moondance Amphitheatre, aiming to shed light on the pressing issue that continues to claim lives of children, teenagers, young adults and adults in Lexington and beyond.
Raising Awareness On The Fentanyl Crisis
The informative event, which ran between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., reflected on the urgent need for greater awareness around the increasing fentanyl epidemic. As incidents of fentanyl poisoning continue to rise at an alarming rate, the event sought to educate citizens on the devastating statistics and underscore the importance of preventive measures.
The Birth of Bright Light Foundation
The Bright Light Foundation was born out of personal tragedy. Its founder, Cheyenne Helm, started the organization following the loss of her daughter Brighton to fentanyl poisoning in 2023. “I had no clue what fentanyl was, so I started investigating it. Not long after, I felt a calling to found an organization that would raise awareness on this pertinent issue,” Helm explained.
She further stated, “Since launching the foundation, I’ve come across many people and children whose lives have been drastically affected by fentanyl, some fatally so. My goal is simple – bring awareness and save as many lives as possible.” For Helm, each activity and event conducted by the organization is a testament to her pain and her daughter Brighton’s memory.
Peeling Back The Layers On Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opioid used as a pain medication and together with other medications for anesthesia. It is also made illegally and used as a recreational drug, often mixed with heroin or cocaine. It is extremely potent and can easily result in a deadly overdose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that synthetic opioid-involved death rates increased by 10% from 2017 to 2018, with fentanyl being the driver of this alarming trend.
Through initiatives like Families Fighting Fentanyl, Helm and the Bright Light Foundation hope to deflate these statistics and bring a beacon of hope to families across Lexington and even across state lines. By targeting the heart of communities and fostering open, educated conversations about fentanyl, the foundation aims to prevent future tragedies.
The Power of Local Initiatives
Events such as Families Fighting Fentanyl underscore the role that local initiatives can in tackling national crises. The fentanyl crisis is a nationwide problem that requires both macro-level policy changes and micro-level community engagement. By mobilizing local communities, nonprofits like the Bright Light Foundation are able to raise awareness about fentanyl, prevent drug abuse, and ultimately save lives.