Through a Child’s Eyes: The Forgotten Victims of the Overdose Epidemic

What happens when a child, just 7, 8, or 9 years old, suddenly loses their mom or dad to overdose? While adults whisper about stigma, addiction, and fentanyl, the child only sees the absence of their protector, their best friend, their world.In this episode of Logan’s Voice, Doug Ballinger—Logan’s Dad—explores the overlooked grief of children left behind in the overdose crisis. He shares what loss looks like through a child’s eyes, how their grief shows up in hidden ways, and why creating safe, stigma-free spaces for them to ask questions and hear the truth matters so deeply.Hope Movement Coalition stands as a conduit of care for these children, ensuring that their parent’s story is remembered with dignity and that their own healing is supported with compassion.💜 Behind many overdose statistics is a child left without a parent. This is their story, too.