Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Hein.
Hi Michele, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The Fentanyl Free Communities and the Foundation (FFC/FFCF) was born out of one mother’s pain at losing her 23-1/2-year-old son to fentanyl poisoning and a prosecutor’s heart for battling this epidemic at all levels. My name is Michele Hein and our son, Tyler Hein, died in July 2020 from taking a single illicit pill containing triple the amount of fentanyl it takes to kill an adult.
He did not know he was taking a pill that could kill him. Our family has worked to raise awareness and educate about the dangers of illicit fentanyl for the last three-plus years. We’ve held rallies at the MN State Capitol and helped make legislative changes regarding penalties for those who deal with fentanyl in Minnesota. Paul Ostrow, Anoka County Assistant Attorney, contacted me in February 2023 after I had organized the MN Faces of Fentanyl display at the Capitol during the session, to begin talking about how we could partner to fight this scourge in our communities.
Just recently FFCF received our 501(3)(c) designation. FFCF raises awareness and helps educate youth on the lethal dangers of fentanyl and FFC is the advocacy and policy arm of the organization. Our commitment is to safeguard our youth and to save lives. Our ultimate goal is to eradicate fentanyl from MN through education, awareness, law enforcement support, and policy change.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s really hard to make something positive out of tragedy but that’s exactly what we’re doing. There are so many people and organizations working in this arena who have shown unwavering support and guidance.
We need as many people to fight the opioid/fentanyl crisis as possible. Garnering financial support has been a challenge but we are a relatively new organization so it’ll just take some time. We have an incredible board of directors – all people who volunteer their time and talents because they’ve been directly impacted or understand the urgency of this crisis.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
FFCF was organized in July 2023. We are dedicated to safeguarding the well-being and futures of Minnesota families by continually educating and advocating for comprehensive measures to combat the devastating impact of fentanyl so lives are saved.
We aim to create a fentanyl-free Minnesota for all. Our board of directors, comprised of a retired US Attorney, retired Mpls Chief of Police, retired prosecutors, grieving moms & dads, and community activists, is one thing that sets us apart from other organizations doing this work. Our focus remains on getting law enforcement what they need to battle this on the streets and in the courtrooms as well as targeting youth with a message of thinking before they consume that first-ever pill or substance. We want fentanyl to be a household word.
We want everyone to know what it is and how it can affect your family and friends forever. We have a list of resources on our website directing people to resources on mental health to the most current DEA information on fentanyl. Every single one of us is here to stop the flow of fentanyl into our state in any and every way we can. By limiting the demand or putting the high-profile dealer in prison. This has got to stop or more families lives are going to be ripped apart.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Many people and organizations have helped me get to this point. I’ll try and list them here but if I miss anyone please forgive me! My husband, Jerry. My constant through it all. The support he showed me when I retired from my sales job of almost 30 years, to focus on the fentanyl crisis, is nothing short of extraordinary. My daughter and her husband. Their unwavering support means the world to me.
Warrior mom Colleen Ronnei. Founder of Change the Outcome was one of the first people I met a month after Tyler passed. She lost her son, Luke, in 2016. She held my hand through those first grief-ridden months encouraging me to help save lives. She continues to be my go-to, is always there for me and I’ve come to love the young people on her staff. Alicia House, Executive Director, of Steve Rummler Hope Network, has provided me with Naloxone & Fentanyl test strips to distribute in the community and get into the hands of people who call me with a loved one in active SUD. She constantly shows up when I call.
Representative Dave Baker, 16B, lost his son, Dan, in 2011. That tragedy catapulted him into public service where he battles the opioid & fentanyl crisis at the MN legislature and he encouraged me to raise my voice and get involved. Extended family & our network of friends have reached out and continue to ask how they can help now with the foundation. I have a group of MN moms, dads, and grandparents whom I’ve grown extremely close to through our shared tragedies. All of us work tirelessly to raise awareness in all corners of our state and meet monthly, virtually, to share what we are doing and what we need. I can’t imagine what this journey would look like without them.
Other representatives from our state who also continue to show up when I call: are Congresswoman Angie Craig, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Senator Kelly Morrison. Representative Paul Novotny, MN-30B, Representative Shane Hudella, MN41B. Too many law enforcement officers to name. They know who they are.
I have so many people who have offered their services and have played a huge part in the success of FFCF. Tony Riegert, The MPX Group, Lisa Kindle, Jeff Fabré, Jim Erickson, John Quincy, Tom Streitz.
And, of course, Paul Ostrow, who took a leap of faith, when he read an article in the Star Tribune about the Faces of Fentanyl, and contacted me to put together and lead a coalition of people who could fight fentanyl in the state of Minnesota.
Corporate Sponsorship levels:
- Founder $10,000
- Champion $7,500
- Partner $5,000
- Patron $2,500
- Supporter <$2,499
Contact Info:
- Website: Fentanylfreecommunities.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fentanyl_free
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fentanylfreecommunities
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fentanyl-free-communities
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ffcf501c3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FentanylFreeCommunities
