KICKING OFF OCTOBER 2025!
We’re celebrating National Opioid-Exposed Children Awareness Month.
Every October, we wear pearls and bowties to amplify the national conversation about children born prenatally exposed to opioids.
Throughout this month, we’ll share education and resources about the 11 research-supported symptoms of prenatal opioid exposure — from developmental delays and sensory challenges to sleep issues, trauma responses, and academic struggles.
These children are loved, resilient, strong, joyful, vibrant, and determined. With the right support, they can thrive.
GET INVOLVED
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WEAR PEARLS & BOWTIES
Every day in October.
Every October, we wear pearls and bowties to amplify the national conversation about children born prenatally exposed to opioids.
Pearls symbolize resilience under pressure. Bowties represent uniqueness. Together, they honor kids who face a constellation of long-term symptoms that too often go unseen.
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FOLLOW AND LEARN
Upgrade your knowledge and share it.
Throughout this month, we’ll share education and resources about the 11 research-supported symptoms of prenatal opioid exposure — from developmental delays and sensory challenges to sleep issues, trauma responses, and academic struggles.
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MAKE A DONATION
You can make a tangible impact.
Half a million children in the U.S. have been born exposed to opioids — 4 more every hour. These kids face lifelong challenges that are too often overlooked. Generation O amplifies their voices, raises awareness of their unique needs, and fights for access to early intervention and informed care.
Your donation during National Opioid-Exposed Children Awareness Month helps ensure these resilient children aren’t forgotten — and that with the right support, they can thrive.
MISSION
Our mission is to offer unwavering support to individuals, families, and communities impacted by prenatal opioid and substance exposure. We extend our commitment beyond childhood, acknowledging potential challenges into adulthood. Our inclusive approach offers support regardless of exposure circumstances or caregiving arrangements.
VISION
Generation O envisions a nation where every opioid-exposed child is empowered to thrive. Through increasing public awareness, advocating for enhanced resources, and establishing best practices, we aim to create a supportive and informed community dedicated to the well-being and development of these children.
OUR PRIMARY GOALS
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Create an awareness that all opioid use during pregnancy may have long term impacts and that affected children need support to thrive
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Help medical providers, therapeutic professionals, school staff, and all types of families recognize the spectrum of challenges an opioid-exposed child may face.
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Support hard hit communities by ensuring resources are accessible to all who need them.
OUR CORE VALUES
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We strive to understand and respect every caregiver and child's unique journey.
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We are committed to advancing policies and practices that enhance the well-being of opioid-exposed children.
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We welcome all families and professionals, regardless of their experience with substance exposure.
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We embrace emerging research and are open to new ideas that better support our mission.
WHO WE REPRESENT
Biological Families
Kinship Families
Foster Families
Adoptive Families
THE LATEST
In March 2025, Generation O’s CEO & Founder, Lenette Serlo, presented to the Florida Statewide Council on Opioid Abatement. This council meets to decide how Opioid Settlement Funds should be spent and distributed in each state. Generation O believes that funds should be spent supporting the children of the opioid epidemic. Watch Lenette’s presentation to learn more.