Ten years of fentanyl pills

A decade ago no one had heard of deadly counterfeit prescription pills. The families of the early victims were warning us that “one pill can kill,” though few listened. Victims' families bravely spoke up, lobbied, and rallied for change. Now, though news of fake pill deaths has become commonplace, action has finally taken shape to protect lives through legislation, enforcement and education. 

We are indebted to families who spoke with us about their loved ones in the early years of this crisis. 

At this ten-year mark of their passing, we’d like to honor the memories of Joe Patterson and Tosh Ackerman, whose promising lives were each abruptly cut short by a single, poisonous counterfeit pill.