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Brandon Whitten’s Death Empowered Reggie Whitten to Begin FATE
The death of 25-year-old Brandon Whitten shook his father, Reggie, and took him down a path no parent could ever imagine or want. Brandon was an All-American kid: a football player, a popular student, a beloved son. But while playing college football, Brandon became addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol. Addiction would lead to his girlfriend’s death and, three years later, the loss of Brandon’s own life.
Brandon’s untimely death profoundly changed Reggie Whitten’s life. At first, he was depressed. Then he was ignited with purpose, starting nonprofit organizations — including the Brandon Whitten Institute at East Central University and Fighting Addiction Through Education – that invest in the lives of others and aim to fight drug abuse and addiction.
Changing the FATE of Oklahoma with Drug Prevention Education
Through sharing Brandon’s story and the dangerous realities of addiction, Reggie Whitten and FATE are dedicated to changing the culture of substance abuse, sharing testimonials of success, and through drug prevention programs designed to educate and empower.
Reggie Whitten and FATE are standing up against drug abuse and addiction in Oklahoma, hoping to break its dangerous grip on society – one person, one event, and one story at a time.
Combating Substance Abuse Through Education
Statistics from a state agency report indicate that both drug and alcohol abuse and addiction pose a tremendous health risk to the people of Oklahoma. In addition, studies from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) show the profound economic impact of substance abuse.
If we are to improve our people’s health, safety, and economic well-being, we must address substance abuse and addiction.
Fighting Addiction Through Education (FATE) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate the general public on substance abuse and addiction in Oklahoma. We motivate individuals and groups – with programs and other resources – to work to reduce substance abuse and addiction in the state significantly.
Many Oklahomans have been impacted by their own substance abuse or the addictions or those of loved ones. But few are aware of ways to address the problem. FATE seeks to educate Oklahomans about the issue in hopes of motivating solutions both for the individual and the state.
The Meaning of FATE
FATE’s name comes from the belief of its founders and speakers that each person has a choice about their life direction. You can choose your “FATE” and no one is destined for, or must remain in, a life of addiction or substance abuse.
Unless we take action on substance abuse and addiction in Oklahoma, there will be inevitable and adverse outcomes. But we can choose our FATE. Oklahomans are not victims of fate – we can overcome the problems of substance abuse and addiction by taking action!