News
Bringing the Community Together for Red Ribbon Week at the Boys & Girls Club
Fentanyl Free Oregon was proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties to raise awareness about the dangers of street fentanyl and other illicit drugs with families in West Salem and Polk County. Supported by grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Polk County Board of Commissioners, the Communities Talk event brought parents, caregivers, and families together during Red Ribbon Week to learn about substance use prevention and how they can help keep young people safe. Observed each year from October 23–31, Red Ribbon Week is a…
Honoring Lives and Raising Fentanyl Awareness in Salem
Fentanyl Free Oregon was proud to provide lawn signs and other awareness materials for a recent gathering of families impacted by our region’s fentanyl crisis. Organized by Erica Quihuis, the gathering honored her family member, Brendon Bennett of Dallas, Oregon, who passed away from a fentanyl overdose in November 2025, as well as others whose lives have been lost to fentanyl. A billboard on Commercial Street in Salem, created by Leona’s Legacy of Love, features Brendon alongside people from across the country who have died from fentanyl overdoses. Thank you to Erica, Leona’s Legacy of Love, and the families who…
Empower Youth Through Education at Radness Ensues
Fentanyl Free Oregon was proud to partner with Radness Ensues, a nonprofit youth empowerment center in Keizer, Oregon, to host a free, youth-focused awareness event that offered practical skills, honest conversations, and lifesaving information. The purpose of this event was not only to tell young people that substances like fentanyl can be dangerous, but also to help them understand the complex nature of addiction and recognize that anyone can be at risk. Attendees heard a story of lived-experience story from Amber, a guest speaker who works at a treatment center and recently celebrated four years of recovery. Attendees also enjoyed…
Connecting with the Community at the Polk County Fair
Fentanyl Free Oregon was proud to sponsor this year’s Polk County Fair, one of the region’s most popular summer events. Participating in events like the fair allows us to connect directly with people in the community and share important information about staying safe from the dangers of illicit fentanyl. This year, we surveyed visitors who stopped by our booth about what they believe is the greatest substance abuse threat facing Polk County. Combined with data collected at the Sounds of Summer Festival in Dallas, Oregon on August 7, we received 283 responses. Our data showed that 47% of respondents saw…
Announcing Prevention Oregon
Fentanyl Free Oregon is excited to announce the launch of Prevention Oregon. As our prevention efforts grow, Prevention Oregon is a name we will use when addressing a variety of current and emerging substance use issues. We will continue to use the Fentanyl Free Oregon name for efforts specifically focused on street fentanyl awareness. We look forward to creating new partnerships, providing additional educational resources, and empowering members of our community to engage in prevention work.