After ranking highest in overdose rates for years, West Virginia recently reported a 42% decline in overdose fatalities during 2024. A grassroots initiative, Save A Life Day, may have contributed to this decline. Now, West Virginians have invited the entire country to be part of this life-saving anti-stigma movement.

On September 25, 2025, all 50 states will be hosting free naloxone events for Save a Life Day for the first time – with over 500 events already covering the map. A list of participating states and counties can be found at www.soarwv.org/save.

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

That same year, overdose fatality rates began to drop nationwide. By 2024, the CDC reported an almost 27% decline in fatalities across the nation. Although many factors contributed, naloxone access is a key piece of the puzzle. 

“The work that Save A Life Day organizers do every day: harm reduction, prevention, substance use treatment, recovery, housing, mutual aid, community outreach, and healthcare… These are all integral pieces of the puzzle too. Save a Life Day is about celebrating where the real change happens every other day of the year,” said Caroline Wilson, Save A Life Day Coordinator for the nonprofit SOAR, WV. 

Since 2021, SOAR, WV has been coordinating this event, growing it from a two-county pilot in West Virginia, to a fully national day of action in 2025. “It feels special, and extra meaningful that Save a Life Day started right here in the heart of the nation’s overdose crisis, and continues to be tended by it. People who’ve faced so much loss have a drive for giving back that can’t be measured,” noted Joe Solomon, SOAR WV’s Co-Director. “Wherever you are–if you’ve been touched by this crisis: you’ve got something vital to share.”

More than just a one-day event, Save A Life Day promotes year-round low-barrier naloxone access by providing tools that communities can use year round. This year, 55 free naloxone vending boxes, sponsored by CareSource, 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. “Whether the numbers go up or down, we are going to keep pushing for widespread naloxone access until we get to overdose zero,” said Sarah Stone, SOAR’s other Co-Director. 

Thanks to additional sponsors, each participating county will also be shipped several emergency naloxone wall boxes, which can be placed on any wall, like an AED or first aid kit. The West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute will also be sending ONEbox™ emergency opioid overdose reversal kits to Save a Life Day Organizers. 

Challenging stigma and changing hearts and minds is also a major mission of the day, according to Stone. “Save a Life Day is about connection. It’s about building trust, having real conversations, and showing up for each other. If one life is saved, all the effort is worth it,” she shares. Most Save A Life Day events are powered by dozens of volunteers that care deeply about this issue: people in recovery, people who have lost loved ones, and others who have seen the impact in their communities.

Naloxone pick-up sites often include churches, clinics, libraries, colleges, recovery homes, gas stations, fire departments, groceries, parks, and local dollar stores. According to Wilson, “A number of counties also implement outreach teams to distribute naloxone. We’ve also seen awareness walks, service offerings, resource fairs, and this year there will even be an ATV ride in Alabama! This year’s theme is ‘Mutual Aid Saves Lives,’ and I’ve heard from organizers many excellent plans to incorporate ways to help one another into their events.” 

Major sponsors of the day include: CareSource, Healing Appalachia, Matthew Perry Foundation, and the Drug Intervention Institute & ONEbox™. A full list sponsors can be found at: www.soarwv.org/save. 

Locations for Washington, Benton and Madison Counties:

Washington County:

Walmart Neighborhood Market

660 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Fayetteville, AR

Benton County:

Eaglecrest Recovery

308 N 24th st, Rogers, AR

Madison County:

Madison County Public Library

827 N College st, Huntsville, AR

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

“At NWAHR, we are thrilled to have been invited to be apart of this incredible event and look forward to this day of community. At the end of the day, saving lives is all that matters. No one has to die.” -Brittany Kelly, Founder, NWA Harm Reduction

Across the country, organizers plan to distribute over 100,000 naloxone doses throughout the day. Each location is powered by local volunteers who attended training to be able to participate. There are more than 15 expected volunteers for this year’s event between the 3 locations. 

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 September 25, 2025. The training takes just 5-10 minutes and people can show up anytime from 2-6pm. NWA Harm Reduction is serving as the lead contact for Save a Life Day in NWA with volunteers from CareSource and Region 1 Prevention, serving as key partners and site leaders for the event.

**Save the Date!**

Join us for an unforgettable day of golf and community support at the 2025 Birdies for a Better Tomorrow Golf Tournament, benefiting NWA Harm Reduction presented by Payne Law Firm

**Date:** June 6, 2025
**Time:** lunch at 11am , 12PM shotgun start, 4-man scramble
**Location:** Paradise Valley Athletic Club
**City:** Fayetteville, AR

This tournament promises to be a fantastic day filled with golf, camaraderie, and the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. By participating, you'll be helping NWA Harm Reduction in their mission to provide critical services and support to those in need.

**MORE INFO TO COME**

Mark your calendars, gather your friends and colleagues, and stay tuned for more details. We can't wait to see you there!

For inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact brittany@nwaharmreduction.org.

Let's come together, drive out stigma, and swing for a better future!

Presenting Sponsor:

Payne Law Firm

Birdie Sponsors:

David Adams Fine Jewelry

Wright’s Barbeque

Adventure Subaru

EagleCrest Recovery

Kate Austin Photography

Sponsors and tickets >> https://donorbox.org/events/737548

Follow our facebook event for the most up-to-date information: https://www.facebook.com/share/15UvR7k92q/

Private Event on campus at the University of Arkansas. Have an event you’d like us to speak at? A group you want to help educate on the importance of Harm Reduction practices? Get in touch today and schedule your private event with us! email info@nwaharmreduction.org or text 479-553-9459

Join NWAHR and SEAR for a hands-on naloxone training as well as an introduction to harm reduction resources.

Private Guest Lecture on campus at the University of Arkansas. Have a class you’d like us to speak in? A group you want to help educate on the importance of Harm Reduction practices? Get in touch today and schedule your private event with us! email info@nwaharmreduction.org or text 479-553-9459

Join us along with other great people in the community for Black Balloon Day. Hope movement is hosting this even at Walter Turnbow Park in Springdale. We have all been touched by loss from overdose, Black Balloon Day has been set aside as an international day of remembrance and bringing awareness to overdose/poisoning deaths.

Join NWAHR and SEAR for a hands-on naloxone training as well as an introduction to harm reduction resources.

While this is a private training event, we are open for booking. Please email us info@nwaharmreduction.org or text us 479-553-9459 to discuss and book a time for your group!

While this is a private training event, we are open for booking. Please email us info@nwaharmreduction.org or text us 479-553-9459 to discuss and book a time for your group!

Join NWAHR and SEAR for a hands-on naloxone training as well as an introduction to harm reduction resources.

Eureka Springs Re-Entry Fair at the Basin Park Hotel!

Hosted by: Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network- ABHIN

“New Year, new opportunities! Let one of your 2025 resolutions be sharing resources far and wide to help your friends and family start the year off right.”

Join us in Eureka Springs at the Basin Park Hotel. Connect with all kinds of amazing folks ready to lend a hand and provide valuable support.

**Event Announcement: NWA Harm Reduction 2024 Fall Benefit**

**Presented by Payne Law Firm**

Join us for an evening of support and celebration at the NWA Harm Reduction 2024 Fall Benefit! This event will take place at The Apollo on Emma in Springdale at 6:00 PM on Friday, November 8th.

**Event Highlights:**
- Live music by Jesse Dean and Company
- Dinner
- Awards ceremony
- Guest speakers

Tickets are available for pre-purchase online. Don't miss out on this incredible evening!

**Sponsorship Opportunities:** If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact us at info@nwaharmreduction.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets >>>> https://donorbox.org/events/677647

**Save the Date!**

Join us for an unforgettable day of golf and community support at the **Payne Law Firm presents 2024 Birdies for a Better Tomorrow Golf Tournament, benefiting NWA Harm Reduction.

**Date:** June 7, 2024

**Time:** 12pm(noon) shotgun start; 11am lunch

**Location:** Paradise Valley Athletic Club

**City:** Fayetteville, AR

This tournament promises to be a fantastic day filled with golf, camaraderie, and the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Lunch will be served, Music playing, and we’re bringing in a pro-golfer for you to bet your best swing with her! By participating, you'll be helping NWA Harm Reduction in their mission to provide critical services and support to those in need.

Mark your calendars, gather your friends and colleagues, and stay tuned for more details. We can't wait to see you there!

For inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact brittany@nwaharmreduction.org.

Let's come together, drive out stigma, and swing for a better future! 

**If your tickets or sponsorship is purchased online, please consider covering the processing fees for us at checkout.** (https://donorbox.org/events/543506)

Sponsor details: (purchase through ticket link, or contact NWAHR)

Friends of the Foundation - small logo on shirt, small logo on event banner, shoutout on event page(facebook)

Hole Sponsor - sign on a hole, small logo on shirt, small logo on event banner, logo and link to business on event page and website.

Putting Sponsor - large sign on the putting green(near food and entertainment area), medium logo on event shirt, medium logo on banner, logo and link on event page and wesbite.

Drive Sponsor - large sign on hole with tent set-up to vend and network(we encourage a fun game at the tent for the players), medium logo on even tshirt, medium logo on banner, logo and link on event page and website.

Birdie Sponsor - individual banner at the main tent (near food and entertainment area), large logo on event shirt, large logo on event banner, logo and link on event page and website, one 4-person team included.

Event Sponsor (taken) - co-branding even with NWA Harm Reduction to be introduced as "(your company) Gold tournament benefitting NWAHR." logo on event shirt, banner and logo & link on event page and website, two 4-person teams included. See current event sponsor: What's the Right Way to Fight Your DWI in Arkansas? | Payne Law Firm (brannenpayne.com)

If you are part of the EMS and fire communities in NWA, please come out to this and get your continuing education hours. Brittany will be speaking on “Harm Reduction through Compassion; Bridging the gap between Emergency Services and Vulnerable Populations.” If this is something you’ve been curious about or want to be ahead of the curve in Arkansas for implementing harm reduction practices into your department, you won’t want to miss this! (sign up link below.)

From event host:

Welcome to the First Annual NWA Fire/EMS Conference & Expo! Representatives from departments all over NWA have joined together to improve our communitie's emergency services through educating its providers in cutting edge evidence based medicine and emerging fire/rescue techniques. Most imortantly we want you to have FUN! With multiple exciting pre-conference courses and four full tracts (EMR/Rescue/LEO, EMT/WFR/Dispatch, Paramedic and Critical Care Medic/RN/MD) we have something for everyone from basic to advanced, volunteer to paid, instructor to administrator, field to hospital. So come join us and choose from 96 CEUs, build comradery, and enjoy the show!

NWA FireEMS Conference | Firefighters

Ozark, AR - We will be tabling January 12th at 6pm at the performing arts center(1631 Hillbilly Dr.)

Hear stories from survivors and family members who lost loved ones to overdose. There will be a narcan training on site. (narcan training and distribution not provided by NWAHR, event not hosted by NWAHR).