Madison County mother whose 4-year-old died from fentanyl poisoning says she is working to educate and reduce stigma

Cheyene Helm of Madison County is turning personal loss into public outreach after her 4-year-old daughter, Brighton, died from fentanyl poisoning in February 2023, according to LEX18. Helm said Brighton was staying at a family member’s house when she was poisoned, and the death has shaped her efforts to address the way fentanyl use and exposure are discussed in families and neighborhoods.

Helm’s message, as described by LEX18, centers on education and reducing stigma. She has said she wants parents, caregivers, and community members to have clearer information about how fentanyl can affect children and families, and why stigma can keep people from seeking help or talking about the risks before tragedy occurs.

The outreach comes at a time when Kentucky communities continue to confront opioid-related public health and safety challenges. LEX18 reported that Helm is working to use her family’s experience to encourage more open, practical conversations, with the aim of making it easier for people to recognize danger and take action when they have concerns.

In addition to discussing fentanyl risk, Helm’s effort emphasizes the importance of understanding how children can be exposed, including in settings outside the immediate home. She has framed the death as a reminder that caregivers and families may not always be aware of what substances could be present around them, including in homes where children are visiting or staying.

Helm told LEX18 that she is focused on reducing barriers that can prevent families from seeking support after a suspected overdose or exposure. Her stated goal is to help people shift from silence or shame toward timely help, which she argues can save lives and prevent additional harm.

Details about the specific programs or partners involved in Helm’s education efforts were not included in the information provided for this write-up. LEX18’s reporting indicates the outreach is ongoing, with Helm aiming to reach Madison County residents and others who may benefit from greater awareness about fentanyl risk.

Community leaders and public safety advocates often urge people to learn overdose warning signs and ensure caregivers know how to respond, including calling for emergency assistance. Helm’s campaign is positioned as a parent-led effort to make those conversations more normal and more accessible.

Helm’s next steps, according to LEX18, are expected to continue as she shares her account and presses for broader awareness of fentanyl risks. The practical impact of the effort will depend on how widely her message is adopted by local groups and how effectively families translate awareness into safer practices and faster responses.