Wendy and Henry Winter, Elena Suarez and others participated in a podcast on relationships also with a focus on fentanyl contaminated substances, this podcast was produced by Zev Halpern, who lost a child to a fentanyl laced overdose.

MCPS initiative on Prevention in Schools

MCPS held a press conference about Opioids Overdose focusing on fentanyl on January 19, 2023 triggered by the latest overdose of a 15 years old MCPS student. The Superintendent of MCPS schools, the Chief of Police and the States Attorney General for MD were present, among other community leaders. Elena Suarez represented S.O.U.L. stressed the importance of prevention at home and in the schools, as well as the need for long term and involuntary treatment with compassionate care for users. Link to the press conference.

Advocating for Change:

A group of Moms participated in MD’s community overdose action town hall meeting presenting our ideas and solutions to address Maryland’s opioid and fentanyl crisis. S.O.U.L. initiated legislative work at the national level, supporting a federal bill to stop fentanyl from coming into the US.

This is a small clip of Chairman McCaul delivering the Opening Statement at the Markup of HR 3205 on May 16, 2023. (in Washington DC at the House of Foreign Affairs Committee) The SOUL Moms were present. Click Here to access the clip.

Healing and Community Outreach:

We participated in many events including, the Seth Memorial Foundation, NAMI Walks, and Trees for JP.

We became official partners of Trail of Truth and National Fentanyl Awareness Day, honoring our precious children. As part of our overdose prevention work, Moms shared their children’s stories at community events and Montgomery County high schools. We wrapped up the year with a Holiday Avery House Drive gifting women in recovery and their families led by Debbie.

Peer to Peer Grief Support:

We had guest speakers, gathering at someone’s house for an evening of sharing, outing weekend and our weekly meetings lead by Roxanne.