
Our Mission
At H.E.A.L. (Heroin Education & Awareness League), we aim to educate and spread awareness about the dangers of opiates and other harmful substances, whether legal or illegal. After the heartbreaking loss of our son Michael to an accidental heroin overdose in 2014, our purpose has been clear: to empower communities with knowledge for prevention, early intervention, and harm reduction.
Our Vision
We envision a future free of the opioid epidemic—one where the silence surrounding Substance Use Disorder is broken, and the stigma is erased.
An Exciting Announcement
We are proud to share that H.E.A.L. is now an official prevention coalition recognized by Missouri’s Department of Mental Health. As part of Missouri's Prevention Network, we collaborate with other coalitions across the state and connect with the Prevention Resource Center, PreventEd.
Our Story: Remembering Michael
Michael Fitzwalter was born on November 29, 1991, and from the very start, he brought joy to our lives. He was a curious, creative, and loving child who adored building with Legos, playing soccer, and exploring the world. However, at 14, Michael began facing challenges that we couldn't fully understand at the time. Diagnosed with ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, his journey into substance use began with marijuana and progressed to prescription drug abuse and, ultimately, heroin.
Tragically, on August 25, 2014, Michael lost his life to an accidental heroin overdose at the age of 22. His story underscores the importance of being informed, proactive, and vigilant. If we had known then what we know now, perhaps Michael would still be with us today.
Sharing his story is painful but necessary. Breaking the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and mental health is critical to saving lives.
Patti & Ellis Fitzwalter
How You Can Help
Shop to Support
H.E.A.L. offers a variety of STOP HEROIN merchandise, including shirts, bags, and other items to help spread awareness. Visit our shop at healstopheroin.org/shop to browse the collection. Personalized items are available but may require two weeks for delivery.
Volunteer
Join us in our mission by volunteering. Whether it’s setting up resource tables, assisting at events, or distributing Narcan kits and safe medication disposal bags, your support makes a difference.
Programs & Services
At H.E.A.L., we focus on education and outreach:
Resource Tables to share information.
Narcan Training & Distribution to equip people with life-saving tools.
Safe Medication Disposal Bags and locking prescription bags to prevent misuse.
Walks and events to spark conversations and break stigmas.
Join Us
Help us break the silence and make a difference in your community. Visit healstopheroin.org or follow us on Facebook to learn more about our mission and how you can be part of the solution.
Together, we can end the opioid epidemic.

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