Dad Fights Fentanyl After Daughter's Death

Michael Glownia is transforming his grief into a mission to combat the fentanyl epidemic. Three years after his daughter Erika Rose Glownia died from fentanyl poisoning in August 2023, he founded EF5 in 2025. This nonprofit, meaning Erika's Father, Family, and Friends Fighting Fentanyl, distributes Narcan and drug testing strips to food pantries and libraries.

EF5 also provides crucial emotional support and financial aid through initiatives like the Erika's Magic Money fund. The organization has supported 10 families with grants and facilitated grief support groups for 30 community members within its first year. Michael actively hosts community walks and grief meetings, fostering a space for healing and remembrance.

Despite stigma, Michael strives to expand EF5's reach, aiming to raise awareness and break down shame surrounding addiction and overdose. He plans to promote projects like the Into Light Project, which pairs personal narratives with portraits to highlight the epidemic's impact. Michael continues to host monthly grief walks and events to honor lost loved ones.