Tragic loss leads to Hope Movement Coalition

Staci James of Yellville experienced a heartbreaking loss in 2019 when her son, Hagen Jones, 22, died of fentanyl poisoning. He was one of 388 Arkansans to die of an overdose that year.

Since the start of the pandemic, substance use has increased. In 2021, 637 people in Arkansas died of overdoses or fentanyl poisoning. Add in all the loved ones affected by their deaths, and the impact is overwhelming.

“Losing a loved one to fentanyl poisoning is a different experience from other deaths,” James said of the dangerous drug. “It comes with a stigma that stops families from receiving support.”

Now, James focuses on helping others overcome the feelings of isolation she experienced.

In response, James started Hope Movement Coalition, a private, non-profit organization of Arkansas families who have lost loved ones to drug-related deaths.

“After months of grieving alone, I realized the power of sharing my journey and turning my pain into purpose,” James explained.

In 2023, Hope Movement received $1 million in opioid settlement dollars through the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP), allowing it to expand its services.

Hope Movement covers all 75 Arkansas counties, pairing grieving families with trauma-trained case managers and parent and sibling peers who have similar experiences.

The coalition also assists with legal and financial hardships facing caregivers left to raise children who have lost one or both parents to drug-related deaths.

If you or a loved one needs assistance from Hope Movement, contact them by texting HOPE to 844-844-2362, calling 479-551-4602 or visiting hopemovementcoalition.com.

The group will hold their annual Bridge the Gap bridge lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., August 31 in North Little Rock Riverfront Park, 200 West Riverfront Drive. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is proud to be a sponsor
of this event.