What began as a small pilot in two West Virginia counties in 2020 has grown into a nationwide movement. In 2024, more than 650 events were hosted across 35 states, resulting in the distribution of more than 84,000 doses of naloxone. This year marks the largest effort yet, with events scheduled coast to coast.
Marshall University is proud to serve once again as a naloxone distribution site for the fourth year in a row. Spearheading the initiative on campus is Jeremy Bailey, a student in the Department of Social Work, LifeBridge AmeriCorps member and peer recovery support specialist. Bailey is leading the Marshall University Collegiate Recovery Community in preparing volunteers from the School of Pharmacy, the departments of Psychology and Social Work, the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and beyond to distribute naloxone and provide essential training.
“Distributing naloxone is only part of the mission,” Bailey said. “It’s equally important that people leave prepared and confident to use it if the moment comes to save someone’s life.”
West Virginia’s Save a Life Day events have been made possible thanks to the support of the West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health and the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy, among other organizations that have provided naloxone since the program began in 2020.
To find a full list of event sponsors, naloxone distribution sites across the country and more information about Save a Life Day, visit soarwv.org/save/.
For more information on how to get involved, contact Jeremy Bailey at bailey810@marshall.edu.