David and Jackie Siegel’s world was forever changed when their 18-year-old daughter Victoria died of a drug overdose on June 6, 2015. In the depths of their despair, David and Jackie dedicated themselves to understanding how this tragedy came to pass. And in doing so, they learned a great deal about the drug epidemic stealing young lives in our country.

Although they cannot change their own story of loss, David and Jackie have committed to turning the tragedy of Victoria’s death into a national platform for drug awareness and prevention and saving lives from overdose. As public figures, the Siegels effectively advocated for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) signed into law on July 22, 2016. This was the first major federal addiction legislation in 40 years and the most comprehensive effort yet to address the opioid epidemic. Its passing laid the groundwork for a coordinated national response.

In an effort to do more, faster to end the opioid crisis in our country, the Siegels later founded Victoria’s Voice Foundation in 2019. Since then, the foundation’s Save Our Kids Education and Prevention Programs have positively impacted more than one million students, parents, educators and community members nationwide.

In 2023, Victoria’s Voice also secured a federal resolution designating June 6 as National Naloxone Awareness Day—a fitting tribute to mark the day of Victoria’s passing eight years earlier. This national day of recognition serves to spread awareness of opioid reversal medications like naloxone, remove stigma and save lives from overdose.

The resources shared on our website are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact a qualified healthcare provider for questions concerning your mental or physical health. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention. Dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. If you think someone might be experiencing a drug overdose, dial 911 and administer naloxone if available. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, text 988 to connect to crisis counselors at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time.

When David and Jackie Siegel’s 18-year-old daughter Victoria died of a drug overdose in 2015, it was a devastating loss.

David never expected the last years of his life to be dedicated to fighting drug addiction, but he attacked this challenge the same as he did every other that he faced in life: with curiosity, tenacity, and constant action. As Board Members, we were in awe of the passion and velocity with which he worked, evidenced by the significant number of achievements he accomplished over the last 10 years. Those milestones included lobbying for meaningful legislative change, driving pervasive awareness of the issue, advocating for common sense solutions, and securing billions of dollars in funding. Perhaps most important of all, he lived long enough to see the impact of that work, as the United States just reported the first decline in overdose deaths since 2018.

It can be easy to get lost inside the enormity of a challenge, but that never daunted David, nor will it daunt us as we carry out his mission. The Victoria’s Voice Foundation will carry on this legacy and continue to be the leading voice in educating parents and families on how to prevent substance misuse and drug overdose. On the Saturday night of David’s passing, two Westgate Resorts security officers administered a lifesaving dose of naloxone to a guest who was overdosing – one more life saved by David’s incredible work.

David’s passionate advocacy for drug prevention education has impacted nearly every family in America. Among his many accomplishments, David was one of the first to champion the movement to equip first responders and American families with lifesaving naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication. He also helped secure the 2016 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), Florida’s 2016 Victoria Siegel Controlled Substance Safety Education and Awareness Act, and Florida’s 2017 House Bill 477, which allows for opioid dealers to be charged with murder if the product they sell results in overdose or poisoning death.

It is for these and many more reasons that we have established the David Siegel Hero Award to recognize and honor exemplary heroes in drug prevention, education and advocacy.

“My daughter’s life may have been short, but her impact on the world will be tremendous. Victoria’s voice will be heard, and lives will be saved.”

– David Siegel

Victoria’s Voice is founded on four pillars, firmly rooted in prevention, that foster our work on a national scale with the agility needed to deliver a comprehensive response to the ever-changing drug crisis.

Victoria’s Voice is immensely grateful for the leadership, hard work and guiding vision
of our Board of Directors.

Our small but passionate team collectively brings more than 150 years of experience working in non-profits, drug prevention, and youth leadership and education to every initiative we pursue.