A Mother’s Love Can Change a Life
Mary Bono, Former Congresswoman and Co-Founder and CEO of MAPDA, on the importance of prevention, awareness, and empowering families with the knowledge to save lives.
Why MAPDA Exists
Every mother wants to protect the people she loves. But today, families face
a drug landscape that is more complex, unpredictable, and dangerous than
ever before.
Having spent nearly two decades working in drug policy, prevention, and
addiction awareness, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact
substance abuse has on individuals, families, and entire communities. I have
also seen the difference that education, early intervention, and meaningful
conversations can make.
That is why we created Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug
Abuse (MAPDA).
We believe prevention begins with awareness, and awareness creates
opportunities to save lives.
MAPDA is dedicated to empowering mothers, families, and communities
with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to recognize risks,
make informed decisions, and help prevent substance abuse before tragedy
occurs.
Understanding Today’s Drug Landscape
The challenges facing families have changed dramatically. Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, emerging synthetic drugs, and the increasing accessibility of dangerous substances have created risks that many families
may not fully understand.
- Counterfeit prescription pills can contain lethal amounts of fentanyl.
- Social media has created new pathways for exposure to dangerous substances.
- Emerging drugs and changing patterns of substance use make access to accurate, timely information more important than ever.
These risks affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. No family is immune, and no one should have to navigate these challenges without reliable information and support.
Knowledge is one of our most powerful tools for prevention.
At MAPDA, we believe change begins with awareness and conversation. Through prevention initiatives and partnerships, we work to ensure that families have access to information that can make a difference.
We bring people together to share experiences, strengthen awareness, and encourage conversations that might otherwise never happen.
Our Greatest Gift Is a Conversation initiative reflects this belief. A single conversation can open the door to understanding, encourage someone to seek help, or provide the information needed to prevent a tragedy.
Prevention does not begin only when someone is in crisis. It begins much earlier, with the willingness to listen, learn, and talk openly about substance abuse.
When families are informed, they are better equipped to protect the people they love.
The Power of Community
No family should face the consequences of substance abuse alone. MAPDA brings together mothers, families, community leaders, prevention professionals, and organizations who share a commitment to protecting lives.
By strengthening partnerships and expanding access to educational resources, we can help build communities where awareness is greater, conversations are more common, and opportunities for prevention are
stronger.
“We need you. Your experiences. Your compassion. Your willingness to start a conversation, share what you know, and help someone else.”
One conversation can create awareness. One shared resource can help someone recognize a risk. One informed decision can change the course of a life.
Together, we can strengthen families, support communities, and help prevent the next tragedy.
Because the greatest gift we can give the people we love is the opportunity for a safer, healthier future.
Mary Bono
Former Congresswoman
Co-Founder and CEO, MAPDA