Kansas mother who lost daughter to fentanyl now helps other grieving families

TOPEKA (KSNT) — One local organization is addressing the fentanyl crisis in Kansas by remembering those we've lost.

What started as a small Facebook page, has now turned into a statewide movement to stop the spread of illegal drugs. "TK Fights Fentanyl" raised it's banner Monday, Aug. 11 at the CRC Care Center in Topeka. It's filled with the names of individuals who have died in the nationwide fentanyl crisis.

Amber Saale-Burger founded the organization after her daughter passed away from fentanyl poisoning nearly two-years-ago.

"I'll help guide you in whatever direction you need to go in to understand that these were lives, these were people, and they're not just numbers," Saale-Burger said. "We're here to help in any possible way that we can to support the families that are left behind especially, and to help use their loved ones voice to make a change."

Kansas lawmakers have passed several notable drug prevention laws over the last two legislative sessions. This includes the Good Samaritan Law, which allows Kansans to contact police in an emergency overdose situation without facing the possibility of being arrested for drug possession.

Amber said her organization was critical in helping this law pass.

"We feel like if we can work on these laws or these bills that effect everyone, then that's going to make it better for Kansas and they're going to feel safer reaching out when they need help," Saale-Burger said.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 347 people have died from opioid overdoses in 2024. That number has been trending downward since 2023.

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.