Healthy Minds – Clarksburg Leads Harrison County in National Save a Life Day Effort on Sept. 25

Once at the epicenter of the nation’s overdose crisis, West Virginia reported a 42 percent drop in overdose fatalities in 2024. Save a Life Day has played a part in that progress.

What began as a two-county pilot program in 2020 has now expanded nationwide, with all 50 states joining the movement this year to provide naloxone, reduce stigma, and save lives. Across the country, organizers plan to distribute more than 100,000 doses of naloxone in a single day. 

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 more than 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 approximate 27 percent decline in fatalities across the nation. Although many factors contributed, naloxone access is a key piece of the puzzle. 

All attendees will receive one naloxone kit, overdose-reversal training, and information about local recovery resources. To support this year’s theme, “Mutual Aid Saves Lives,” locations will also include mutual aid offerings, including the Clarksburg-Harrison Health Department vaccination van, an on-site food pantry, Celebrate Recovery, emergency preparedness, and prescription disposal kits. 

Last year, Healthy Minds – Clarksburg distributed 493 kits and hopes to exceed that number this year. 

“Every Narcan kit that we get out into the community represents a second chance for someone to find their way to recovery. Each conversation we have that day with people visiting our tables represents collaboration, stigma reduction, and a sense of community,” Pam McDonald, supervisor for clinical grants at Healthy Minds – Clarksburg, said. 

Harrison County sites include:

“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 – are all integral pieces of the puzzle, too,” Caroline Wilson, Save A Life Day coordinator for SOAR WV, said. “Save a Life Day is about celebrating where the real change happens every other day of the year.” 

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