Event in Fort Worth aims to raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl

FORT WORTH, TX – Event in Fort WorthOn Sunday, Trinity Park hopes to raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and the stigma surrounding it.

Rachel Phillips founded the advocacy group The Thomas Effect in honor of her brother, who died of a fentanyl overdose nearly a year ago.

Data shows the number of fentanyl-related deaths is declining nationally and statewide.

Phillips hopes events like Sunday’s will play a role in the decline.

“To bring the community here, educate them about fentanyl awareness, the epidemic and how to keep each other safe,” she said.

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Phillips organized Sunday’s Stomping the Stigma rally in Fort Worth.

“Losing him after he fought so hard was traumatic, so we’re just here trying to educate and save some lives,” Phillips said.

Families were encouraged to bring their children to enjoy face painting, trampoline play and Halloween trick-or-treating, while also giving them the opportunity to listen and learn.

“Losing a brother or sister to something like this is a terrible experience. It will change your whole family in a way that you will never recover,” said Kerby, who lost a brother to a fentanyl overdose.

This week, Tarrant County secured its first conviction in the murder of a man who trafficked fentanyl.

19-year-old Kayden Farish pleaded guilty following the death of a 17-year-old in Bedford.

Farish will spend 19 years in prison.

Prosecutors are using a law that took effect last fall that allows murder charges against people who make or sell the deadly drug fentanyl.

Sunday’s rally reminded people that anyone can become a victim.

“We need to stop thinking that only bad people use drugs, right?” – Phillips said. “Good kids will do drugs, drink, and we just need to teach them how to take care of them and their friends, that’s the main thing.”

Free Narcan was given out at the event on Sunday.

There have been nearly 1,000 fentanyl-related deaths in Texas this year.

In 2023 there were more than 2,300.