Texas Against Fentanyl (TXAF) was founded by Stefanie Turner after the tragic loss of her 19-year-old son, Tucker Roe, who passed away from a single illicit Percocet pill purchased via social media. Stefanie's determination to prevent others from enduring similar losses drove her to immediately share Tucker’s story, initiating TXAF's mission to combat the deadly impact of fentanyl in communities.

TXAF’s core mission is to raise awareness about fentanyl, provide essential resources, and support families grieving the loss of loved ones. In March 2022, Stefanie met Carilu Bell at a local fentanyl awareness event. Bonding over their shared loss (Casey for Carilu and Tucker for Stefanie), they committed to spreading awareness and driving change. Carilu joined TXAF as an Event Coordinator, launching "Angel Moms," a supportive network hosting local events for mothers who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning.

In just two years, TXAF has become the leading nonprofit organization in Texas, advocating for impactful legislation affecting schools and adolescents. This includes the passage of three Bills:

House Bill 3908 (Tucker’s Law): Mandates fentanyl education in grades 6 through 12.
Senate Bill 3144: Designates October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.
Senate Bill 629: Requires schools to adopt policies on opioid antagonist maintenance, administration, and disposal.

TXAF’s primary goals include providing assistance and resources to those affected by fentanyl, raising awareness through community events and engagements, and advocating for mandatory fentanyl education in all schools.

What sets TXAF apart is its extensive network of angel families across Texas, spanning hundreds of area directors and families. Recognizing the widespread impact of fentanyl beyond Texas, TXAF established The Tucker Project, a complementary 501(c)(3) organization aimed at applying their legislative successes nationwide.

As TXAF continues to grow amid rising fentanyl-related deaths, their commitment remains steadfast: to save lives and address the ongoing crisis with unwavering dedication.

The Tucker Project is a highly impactful initiative dedicated to fentanyl education and awareness. Our organization was founded in response to the passing of House Bill 3908 (Tucker's Law), which mandates fentanyl education from grades 6 through 12. We take pride in our approach, seamlessly integrating fentanyl education across subjects such as math, science, health, and history, ensuring a comprehensive education that exceeds state standards and can be tailored to meet diverse educational needs.

We provide a range of educational resources, including both digital and hard-copy materials, ensuring accessibility across different learning environments. Our programs are diverse and include a Teen Ambassador Program that empowers students to advocate for fentanyl awareness, assemblies that educate larger groups of students, and naloxone training to equip individuals with life-saving skills in opioid overdose situations. We maintain open communication with staff and parents to keep them informed and engaged in our educational efforts.

Throughout the year, we offer various activities to keep students engaged and reinforce the importance of fentanyl education. October's Fentanyl Awareness Month serves as a focal point for intensified efforts and outreach within our community.

Our partnerships are integral to our success. Collaborating with the Texas TEA for a pilot program and successfully completing a pilot in Georgia, which led to statewide implementation, highlight our commitment to expanding our impact.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to public service and community benefit. This status allows us to seek tax-exempt donations and grants that support our initiative and enable us to reach more communities with vital fentanyl education and awareness programs.

In summary, The Tucker Project plays a crucial role in addressing a pressing educational and public health need. Through interdisciplinary education, direct student engagement, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to community service, we are making significant strides in fentanyl education and raising awareness across the board.

While we have succeded in passing the legislation on a statewide level, there is still pushback from local schools. That's where YOU come in. Please help us pressure your schools into implementing The Tucker Project and our interdisciplinary curricula so that we can safe guard our children and students from the current fentanyl crisis.

Texas PTA Event - TXAF/Tucker Project