FFC presented to OERAC

June 12, 2026 — The Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation (FFC) presented to Minnesota's Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC) on June 12, sharing the organization's community-level work across the state and reinforcing the message that the fentanyl crisis is measured in lives, not just numbers.

FFC brought its Faces of Fentanyl Display to the presentation as a visual reminder of the people behind the epidemic. FFC Policy Board Co-Chairs Paul Ostrow and John Kingrey led the presentation, outlining the organization's ongoing initiatives, including overdose prevention and harm reduction programs that have expanded Narcan distribution across Minnesota communities, and a track record of community events and forums held over the past several years.

The co-chairs also pointed to a recent policy success: the Minnesota Department of Education's decision to update its rules to include fentanyl-specific content in school health education materials. Ostrow and Kingrey emphasized that FFC's work directly supports OERAC's mission to develop and implement a comprehensive, statewide response to the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic. Specifically, they highlighted that FFC:

- Sponsors research that serves as a credible resource for local, state, and federal fentanyl education and harm prevention efforts - Maintains a broad network of families and individuals directly impacted by the fentanyl crisis, giving OERAC an authentic, on-the-ground perspective

- Deploys volunteer lobbyists to advance legislative and advocacy priorities at the Capitol and beyond

- Leverages social media partnerships to expand the reach of shared goals and life-saving programs OERAC oversees millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds directed toward evidence

-based prevention, treatment, and community training throughout Minnesota.

FFC's presentation reinforced a shared belief that grassroots advocacy and statewide policy are stronger together and that the partnership between community organizations and state agencies can save lives. FFC will continue working alongside OERAC and other state partners to advance fentanyl education, harm reduction, and prevention efforts across Minnesota.

Small Steps Create Big Shifts

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Turn Intention Into Action

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Make Room for Growth

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.