The mission and vision of Families Against Narcotics is to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription opioid and illicit drug use, to change perceptions surrounding addiction, to provide education on substance use risks, and to offer help and resources to individuals and families impacted by addiction.

Our goal is to help shift how addiction is understood and treated, and to encourage meaningful improvements across all areas of society. Through Real People Sharing Real Stories and the use of factual data, we work to change how addiction is perceived and to provide a space where families and professionals can find useful information and perspective. We offer education to raise awareness and promote safety by collaborating with insurance providers, healthcare workers, legislators, legal professionals, schools, law enforcement, and families—working together to change the way addiction is approached. We move forward one step and one life at a time.

The FAN Okemos/Ingham County Chapter was established in memory of Eric Pavona, whose accidental overdose prompted his family to take action. Although Eric's parents had worked in Lansing's leading health system for more than 30 years, they encountered a care system that was fragmented, unprepared, and lacking the support needed by families dealing with opioid addiction.

After Eric’s death in August 2011, his father Phil began sharing their experience and was deeply affected by how many friends, coworkers, and neighbors had faced similar struggles in silence—unaware that others were going through the same hardship. Their children were struggling, and their families felt isolated and powerless.

Phil took steps to revisit their journey, hoping to raise awareness and encourage improvement across the systems they encountered. This effort led him to connect with Judge Donald Allen and Joseph Lowe, both of whom had attended a FAN presentation in Detroit. Together, they recognized the need for a local FAN chapter to support families dealing with addiction.

FAN’s Board of Directors includes individuals from law enforcement, families affected by addiction, those in recovery, and other committed volunteers. All are united by a shared commitment to offering help and hope to those navigating addiction.