COUNTY — On Sept. 26, 30 states will be hosting over 300 free naloxone events for the country’s largest annual free naloxone day to date, Save a Life Day: East, covering all the states east of the Mississippi River. A list of participating states and counties can be found at www.soarwv.org/east.

Naloxone, more well known by one of its brand names, Narcan, is an easy-to use nasal spray that works to reverse opioid overdoses. For the first time in over 50 years of use, this formerly prescription-only medication was approved for over-the-counter distribution in 2023.

The eastern half of the country has been especially devastated by the overdose crisis – the 26 states East of the Mississippi River held nearly two thirds [64.5%] of the country’s overdose fatalities in 2022. Overdose fatality ratings by state show that out of the top ten hardest-hit states, eight run on the eastern side of the country.

Event organizers also point out that what starts east goes west. In 2018, 80% of fentanyl related overdose deaths occurred east of the Mississippi River, before fentanyl worked its way into the western drug supply. Save a Life Day supporters are hoping this year’s message of putting ‘naloxone everywhere’ and challenging stigma will travel west as well. Save a Life Day started as a two county pilot in WV in 2020, and by 2023 spread to all 13 Appalachian states. By 2025, organizers expect it to go fully national.

This year’s Save a Life Day carries a boost from CareSource, who sponsored 50 free naloxone vending boxes, which are currently being shipped to Save a Life Day organizers across the country – most are destined for high-traffic outdoor locations where people will be able to access the antidote for free, 24/7.

Thanks to additional sponsors, each participating county will also be shipped five emergency naloxone boxes, which can be placed on any wall, like an AED or first aid kit. The Drug Intervention Institute will also be sending a ONEbox™ emergency naloxone kit to each county.

“Save a Life Day is about more people feeling like they can be a part of the work of healing their communities,” said Sarah Stone, Co-Director of SOAR WV. “Everybody can pick up naloxone on Save a Life Day for sure, but the truth is most sites are looking for helpers, trainers, and people who want to find ways to plug in year round. Giving out naloxone can be almost as transformative as receiving it.”

Challenging stigma that is often associated with naloxone and harm reduction programs is also a major mission of the day, according to Save A Life Day coordinator, Caroline Wilson.“Our goal is to promote positive messaging around naloxone that lasts all year,” said Wilson. “Overdose is such a tragic topic, but there are solutions. We want the thought of saving someone’s life to be a no-brainer – ‘normalized,’ if you will. That’s why much of our anti-stigma campaign is comprised of cute ‘Narcanimal’ stickers, fun buttons, and cool digital photo frames. The message is that saving lives is for everyone.” Organizers are shipping over 50,000 stickers nationwide, featuring eastern wildlife animals carrying life-saving naloxone.

Naloxone pick-up sites often include churches, clinics, libraries, colleges, recovery homes, gas stations, fire departments, groceries, parks, and local dollar stores. According to SOAR WV Co-Director, Joe Solomon, “The idea isn’t to get people to come to you, but to meet people where they are. It’s inspiring to see how creative folks get, setting up pop-up booths, driving around with 4-wheelers, even throwing parades.”

Major sponsors of the day include: CareSource, Healing Appalachia, Drug Intervention Institute & ONEbox™, Emergent BioSolutions, and the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. A full list sponsors can be found at: www.soarwv.org/east

The Franklin County site will be the Franklin County Recovery Center at 130 Quebec Street, Farmington from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

All attendees will receive one naloxone kit, an in-person training, and information about local resources.

Across the East, organizers plan to distribute over 70,000 naloxone doses throughout the day. Each location is powered by local volunteers who attended training to be able to participate.

People who use drugs, their family members and friends, community members and anyone who wants to be prepared to save a life are welcome to get trained on Sept. 26. The training takes just 5-10 minutes and people can show up anytime from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lifeline for ME Recovery is serving as the lead contact for Save a Life Day in Franklin County, with Franklin County Recovery Center and UVM CORA, serving as key partners and site leaders for the event.