Answers to Fentanyl Poisoning

Show Notes

Angela Kenneke’s life changed forever when her daughter Emily died from fentanyl poisoning at just 21 years old. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Angela shares how her family’s experience with substance use disorder evolved from early warning signs in high school to the devastating moment they were preparing an intervention—only three days too late. Her story is not only one of loss, but of purpose, resilience, and a mission to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy.

Angela explains how stigma, misinformation, and the rapid spread of fake pills have created a dangerous environment for today’s youth. She describes how Emily unknowingly consumed heroin laced with fentanyl, and how this single moment of experimentation became fatal. Drawing from her background as a journalist and investigative reporter, Angela began searching for answers—leading her to create Emily’s Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to prevention, education, treatment scholarships, and community support.

A major part of Angela’s work is the Emily’s Hope K–12 substance use prevention curriculum, now implemented in six states and reaching more than 30,000 students. She outlines how the program uses age‑appropriate, science‑based lessons to teach children about healthy habits, trusted adults, brain development, emotional regulation, and the real risks of substances—including fentanyl‑laced counterfeit pills. Angela also discusses the organization’s upcoming fentanyl education toolkit, youth art initiatives, naloxone distribution, and treatment scholarships that have already saved lives.

This episode is a candid, compassionate look at the fentanyl crisis, the importance of early education, and the power of turning grief into action. Angela’s message to parents is clear: keep the conversation open, lead with love, and start early. Her work honors Emily’s memory while lighting the way forward for families everywhere.