Voices for Awareness | Facing Fentanyl
Raising Awareness in Our Communities
Voices for Awareness Foundation is a licensed and registered nonprofit organization
bringing awareness to illicit fentanyl, counterfeit drugs and related to self-harm.
“A drug of mass destruction”: Fentanyl deaths surge in Colorado, reaching an average of two fatalities a day
A recent law that makes the possession of 4 grams or less of a “controlled substance listed in schedule I or II, a level 1 drug misdemeanor,” rather than a felony, is drawing criticism amid national conversations about fentanyl deaths.
“A drug of mass destruction”: Fentanyl deaths surge in Colorado, reaching an average of two fatalities a day
In 2018, an average of 9 Coloradans a month died of fentanyl overdose. In 2021, the monthly average is 64.
The eggs sat on the counter and the potatoes waited in the pan for a late-night brunch as Ashley Romero died.
She took half a pill that appeared to be a prescription painkiller offered to her by a trusted person. Romero had chronic pain her entire life from pancreatitis. When she was really hurting, she would sometimes take half a pill prescribed to her by her doctor.
Personal Pain to Public Outreach: Andrea Thomas and Michael Fiore Face the Opioid Crisis Head-on
Getting sober is often seen as the milestone of ending drug addiction, and many policies and projects are designed with this approach in mind.
However, without proper healthcare, supportive communities, and tools to stay sober, people often relapse into an endless cycle that continues to fuel the opioid crisis.
In this episode, we are joined by two unifying voices fighting the opioid crisis: Andrea Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Voices for Awareness, and Michael Fiore, Founder of Inspire2Inspire, as well as the Director of Community Outreach at Voices for Awareness. Andrea and Michael share their deep bond that transcends their mission and discuss their efforts to bring hope and practical solutions to those affected by illicit fentanyl through prevention, education, and healthcare accessibility. They also discuss the importance of a unified legislative effort to address this critical issue, and how they are fighting for the future of the nation.
Join us as we discuss:
- Overcoming addiction and transforming personal experiences into a message of hope
- Addressing the stigma surrounding drug use and addiction to drive empathetic, social transformations
- The importance of collaboration among various groups and organizations to achieve long-term solutions
Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month May 2019
Voices for Awareness founders Andrea Thomas & D’Ann Hopkins are presented with the May 2019 Proclamation from Mesa County for Mental Health Awareness Month L-R Mesa County Commissioner John Justman, Andrea Thomas, Mesa County Commissioner Rose Pugliese, D’Ann Hopkins & Mesa County Comissioner Scott McInnis
From Personal Pain to Public Outreach: Andrea Thomas and Michael Fiore Face the Opioid Crisis Head-on
In this episode, we are joined by two unifying voices fighting the opioid crisis: Andrea Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Voices for Awareness, and Michael Fiore, Founder of Inspire2Inspire, as well as the Director of Community Outreach at Voices for Awareness. Andrea and Michael share their deep bond that transcends their mission and discuss their efforts to bring hope and practical solutions to those affected by illicit fentanyl through prevention, education, and healthcare accessibility. They also discuss the importance of a unified legislative effort to address this critical issue, and how they are fighting for the future of the nation.
Women Start Foundation Aimed at Curbing Suicide, Opioid Abuse
D’Ann Hopkins, left, Andrea Thomas, middle and Chuck Thomas, right, stated a foundation called Voices for Awareness to raise awareness in Mesa county for mental illness and drug abuse.
Fentanyl awareness advocate shares her story in an effort to save lives
Giving Voice to Victims
Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM) has been an invaluable mentor to Andrea Thomas and Voices for Awareness since the tragic loss of her daughter, Ashley Romero, to fentanyl poisoning. PSM’s expertise in advocating for safe drug practices and raising awareness about counterfeit medicines has provided Andrea with guidance and resources to amplify her mission of preventing future fentanyl-related deaths. As a member of PSM’s advisory board, Andrea has had the opportunity to collaborate closely with experts in drug safety, which has empowered her to expand her organization’s reach and influence while ensuring that her advocacy efforts are backed by a trusted, well-established partner in the fight against dangerous substances.
Andrea Thomas
Advisory Board Member Partnership for Safe Medicines.
Meet our Team
Andrea Thomas
Ashley’s Mom
Founder and Executive Director
D’Ann Hopkins – Co Founder
Adrienne Sautter
Jayden’s Mom
Project Director and Media Relations
Michael Fiore
Director of Outreach
Recovery Specialist
Mathew Broadman
Advisory Board Member for VFA and Facing Fentanyl
Assistant Deputy Director Domestic Operations HSI
Dan Bontz
Advisory Board Member for VFA and Facing Fentanyl