U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), has recognized Lilly Harvey of Jonesville, Louisiana, in his January 2026 Local Spotlight for her work in raising awareness about the dangers of illegal opioids. Harvey founded the nonprofit “Millie Mattered” after her daughter Millie died from a fentanyl overdose in 2017.
Cassidy said, “This local spotlight is on Lilly Harvey from Jonesville, Louisiana. And Lilly is known across the state for raising awareness about the effect, the terrible effect, of illegal opioids. In 2017, Lilly received the nightmare call no parent ever wants to receive. Her 28-year-old daughter, Millie, had taken fentanyl and died.”
He continued, “Now, when you lose someone you love, particularly a child, it leaves a hole that can never be filled. For Lilly, that hole is because of Millie. Now, what’s particularly awful, is that you can go to every parish, every county, every state in our nation and find a family who has their own tragic story like Lilly does.”
Cassidy explained how Harvey responded by creating an organization to help others: “And Lilly understood this. She founded a nonprofit called Millie Mattered, educating young people on the tactics that drug dealers use, and because of this, Millie will not be forgotten. Her legacy lives on through her mother as her mother educates young people, helps families, saves lives.”
He thanked Harvey for her contributions: “Lilly, thank you for your work, your partnership, your dedication to giving others the chance that your daughter did not have. You turned tragedy into something good and that is the definition of being a hero. Keep being a hero. Keep educating. Keep fighting. Keep making Louisiana proud. Let Millie’s legacy live on.”
Harvey has been active in efforts to address opioid abuse and has worked closely with Cassidy at various events supporting related legislation such as the SUPPORT Act and HALT Fentanyl Act.
In December 2025 she joined Cassidy at an event in New Orleans marking the signing of his SUPPORT Act which aims to strengthen prevention and treatment services for substance use disorders nationwide.
Earlier in August she also participated in an event in Baton Rouge celebrating Cassidy’s HALT Fentanyl Act which permanently schedules fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under federal law to assist law enforcement efforts against trafficking.
Each month Senator Cassidy highlights individuals whose actions reflect values such as humility and resiliency within Louisiana communities.
