I had the opportunity to work closely with Jason [Probst] during the long and hard-fought effort to legalize fentanyl test strips in Kansas. This work was deeply personal to me. I lost my son, Sebastain, to fentanyl in 2022, and by the time we began this fight, I knew firsthand the devastating impact fentanyl was having on families and communities.
Working alongside Jason at the Statehouse was one of those experiences I will never forget. This wasn’t just a policy issue to me—it was about trying to make sure another family might have the opportunity to keep their child alive. There were plenty of frustrations and obstacles along the way, but Jason continued to listen, show up, and work with me and others who were fighting for this change.
I’m proud of the work we did together and grateful that, even in the middle of something so painful for me personally, I had someone willing to stand beside me and help turn that pain into something that could potentially save lives. That experience will always mean a great deal to me.
– Brandy Sheahan Harris, Hutchinson