The Jack O'Kelley Foundation is dedicated to educating high school and college students, athletes, and Greek life members about the dangers of illegal drugs and fentanyl-laced fake pills. Through collaborative Drug Awareness Programs with law enforcement, HIDTA Agents, and aligned non-profit organizations, we strive to prevent drug-related tragedies. By sharing Jack O'Kelley's personal story, we aim to resonate with families and save lives. We proudly support the "Take The Pledge" campaign, challenging college communities nationwide to spread awareness. Additionally, we are committed to educating on the life-saving use of naloxone to combat opioid overdoses.
Fentanyl has driven a surge in overdose deaths, accounting for nearly 70% of opioid-related fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. The drug's impact is devastating, particularly among young adults, leading to widespread loss and grief in communities across the country.
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Jack's story is one of loss, but it's also a call to action—a reminder of the vital importance of drug education and the relentless pursuit of justice and prevention. Through their advocacy, Jack's parents hope to spare others from the heartache that has forever changed their family.
Learn moreOn Thanksgiving Eve 2023, Jack O'Kelley went out with friends, just like any other night. The next morning, when his family hadn't heard from him, they began to worry. They called, but there was no answer. Concerned, Jack's father, Mike, drove to the friend's house where Jack had spent the night. When he arrived, he found his son unresponsive. Despite his efforts to wake him, Jack had already passed away after taking a fake pill. His fingernails were blue; he wasn't breathing. The tragedy struck deeply, leaving the family devastated.
In the aftermath, Jack's mother and father, determined to prevent other families from experiencing such pain, began advocating for change.
Jack's parents now channel their grief into a mission to reach young people before they encounter dangerous drugs. They passionately believe that schools should be required to educate children about the risks of drugs, especially the substances that are silently claiming lives.
Jack's story is one of loss, but it's also a call to action—a reminder of the vital importance of drug education and the relentless pursuit of justice and prevention. Through their advocacy, Jack's parents hope to spare others from the heartache that has forever changed their family.
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This week on 60 Minutes, Bill Whitaker reported on fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid that has created the worst drug crisis the United States has ever faced. Last year, more than 70,000 Americans died from a fentanyl overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's a …
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We are in the midst of the worst drug crisis in U.S. history. The drug is fentanyl, and unlike cocaine and heroin, it's a purely chemical, man-made drug. It's cheap to produce, easily smuggled, and packs an incredibly addictive punch – 50 times more powerful than heroin. Nearly all the fentanyl …
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On August 15, 2024, a panel discussion was held at the University of Georgia to discuss a critically important topic that affects us all- The Fentanyl Crisis. Jack O’Kelley, the son of Mike O'Kelley and Angela King O’Kelley, tragically passed away from fentanyl poisoning on November 23, 2023, after …
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