The Story of Dr. Bonnie Milas: How Losing Her Children to Fentanyl Inspired Her Fight Against the Deadly Epidemic

In this powerful episode of The Zac Clark Show, Dr. Bonnie Milas shares her deeply personal journey through unimaginable tragedy and her mission to protect other families from the same fate. A cardiac anesthesiologist, intensivist, and clinical professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Milas lost both of her sons to accidental fentanyl overdoses within 15 months. Professionally, she’s on the frontlines treating patients affected by opioid use disorder, and she is a passionate advocate for the availability of naloxone—a life-saving nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses when administered in time. Dr. Milas’s advocacy is vast and tireless: she’s lobbied for over-the-counter naloxone access, provided testimony to the FDA and Philadelphia city council, and collaborates with organizations like the American Society of Anesthesiologists to spread overdose rescue education nationwide. She also leads training on naloxone administration through her initiative REVIVEme.com and serves as Chief Narcan Rescue Officer at her institution. Driven by her own loss, Dr. Milas is devoted to breaking the stigma around opioid addiction and empowering families with the tools to prevent overdose deaths. Join us as she opens up about her experiences, the emotional toll, and her relentless fight to save lives through advocacy and education. Editor’s Note: Zac Clark and Dr. Bonnie Milas are brand ambassadors for NARCAN® Nasal Spray. However, the thoughts and opinions expressed during this conversation are solely their own.  To learn more: About NARCAN® Nasal Spray: https://narcannasalspray.ca/en/ REVIVEme: https://www.asahq.org/advocating-for-you/reviveme More about Dr. Bonnie Milas’s Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices