CHICAGO– Today, Non-profit Founder and CEO Angela Kennecke of Emily’s Hope, appeared on NewsNation to discuss the alarming rise of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the United States. The interview with Anchor Marni Hughes addressed the dire need for immediate solutions to the current drug epidemic.
Angela emphasized the importance of prevention in tackling the crisis, highlighting the new Emily’s Hope Prevention Curriculum for grades K-5. This new curriculum aims to educate children about the dangers of drugs and how to avoid them, promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle from an early age.
In addition to prevention, Angela also spoke about the need to legalize fentanyl testing strips nationwide. She stressed the importance of making naloxone affordable and accessible to all, especially with its upcoming availability as an over-the-counter medication. Angela also discussed the need to increase the number of doctors who prescribe medically assisted treatment for opioid addiction, now that the X Waiver has been eliminated by Congress.
The statistics are staggering, with more than 100,000 Americans dying from overdose in 2022, and 80% of those deaths being caused by fentanyl. Angela emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to save lives and combat the public health crisis.
Angela Kennecke founded Emily’s Hope in honor of her daughter Emily, who tragically died from fentanyl poisoning. The organization has since helped more than 350 people enter recovery and is committed to removing the stigma of substance use disorder through awareness, education, prevention, and by removing financial barriers for treatment and recovery.
Angela previously appeared on NewsNation to talk about Emily’s death from fentanyl poisoning in September.
For more information about Emily’s Hope, its mission, and ongoing initiatives, please visit https://emilyshope.charity.
Media Contact:
Anna Fey
Executive Assistant/Marketing Manager
Emily’s Hope
annafey@emilyshope.charity
605-940-3504
Editor/Producer Note:
Angela Kennecke, CEO and Founder of Emily’s Hope is available for interviews to discuss today’s groundbreaking FDA decision to approve over-the-counter Narcan nasal spray and its impact on the fight against the opioid crisis. Angela has been featured on NBC Nightly News, ABC World News Tonight, CBS This Morning, NewsNation, and dozens of other national outlets.
Over the last decade, Angela has focused many of her stories on the growing opioid crisis. Tragically, her 21-year-old daughter, Emily, died of a fentanyl overdose. In the wake of this personal loss, Angela has taken Emily’s story nationwide and even internationally. She speaks tirelessly about the issues surrounding opioid addiction, a parent’s frustration, and a sense of helplessness, all from the perspective of a mother who has lost her child.
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a non-profit organization dedicated to removing the stigma of substance use disorder through awareness, education, and prevention; and removing financial barriers for treatment and recovery. Founded by Angela Kennecke in memory of her daughter Emily, Emily’s Hope has helped more than 350 people enter recovery and is working tirelessly to develop a prevention education curriculum for students K-12.