The Northland Coalition will hold a free community event for National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from noon to 1:30 pm at Beacon Mental Health’s Community Room (3100 NE 83rd St., Kansas City, MO 64119). Presentations begin at 12:30 pm.

The event aims to increase awareness and promote prevention. The event features information about fentanyl risks, local resources, harm reduction strategies, and personal stories. Resource tables, an interactive activity, networking opportunities, and a light lunch are included.

According to Northland Coalition President Dusty Scheiter, fentanyl is a leading cause of overdose deaths both locally and nationwide.

"Fentanyl continues to be a leading driver of overdose deaths nationwide, including right here in our own communities," said Dusty Scheiter, President, Northland Coalition. "This event is an opportunity to come together, honor lives lost and strengthen our efforts to prevent future tragedies through education, connection, and support."

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, founded by Facing Fentanyl, is observed each year on August 21. The day serves to honor those who have lost their lives to illicit fentanyl poisoning and to advance prevention efforts and education regarding the increasing presence of fentanyl in the drug supply.

For more information, contact northlandcoalition@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/NorthlandCoalition. The event is funded by the Clay County Commission’s Opioid Settlement Fund.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

The Northland Coalition is proud to announce the availability of mini-grant funding to support prevention efforts aimed at reducing youth opioid misuse in Clay County. These grants will be awarded to projects committed to implementing evidence-based prevention strategies that build protective factors and reduce risk factors among youth.

Funding is open to local prevention coalitions, youth prevention clubs/advisory councils, prevention programs, and schools. Eligible projects must align with evidence-based prevention science and address the overall goal of reducing opioid use or dependence. Applicants are encouraged to apply for projects that build related protective factors, or reduce risk factors and include a feasible action plan, budget, and outcome measurement. All projects must be aimed at and implemented in Clay County, Missouri.

"The opioid epidemic continues to impact our communities, and it is critical that we invest in proactive strategies that support our youth and prevent substance misuse before it begins," said Dusty Scheiter, President of the Northland Coalition. "These mini-grants will empower local groups to develop innovative and effective prevention initiatives tailored to the unique needs of their communities."

Grant funding is limited, and applications will be reviewed based on their potential to contribute to sustainable reductions in youth substance use. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply by May 30, 2025. The funding application is available at NorthlandCoalition.com. Funding was made available to the Northland Coalition for these mini-grants from the Clay County Commission, through their Opioid Settlement.

For more information about the mini-grant opportunity, eligibility requirements, and application process, please visit or website or contact the Northland Coalition Clay Opioid Settlement Team at northlandcoalition@gmail.com.

KPGZ News – Emily Barnes contributed to this story.