Save A Life Day

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, all 50 states will host 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.

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.

Organizations in western Kentucky have provided Narcan to first responders, law enforcement, and community members for nearly 10 years. Outside of Save a Life Day, Narcan is available for free daily in Paducah at the McCracken County Library, Purchase District Health Department, Turning Point Recovery Community Center, and inside Turning Point’s purple distribution stands that move around the region.

McCracken County’s event will take place on Thursday, September 25 from 1:00-3:00pm at the McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St. in Paducah). Naloxone will be available for free to the public at the main entrance, either by drive through or walk up. All attendees will receive one naloxone kit, an in-person training, and information about local resources.

“Overdoses can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. That’s why Narcan distribution is so critical. You never know when you might be in a position to save a life, and having Narcan on-hand can make all the difference. Every Narcan kit handed out is a step toward breaking the stigma, building hope, and showing that every life is worth saving,” stated Leigh Ann Ballegeer, McCracken County ASAP Chair.

McCracken County ASAP (Agency for Substance Abuse Policy) is serving as the lead contact for Save a Life Day in McCracken County. Turning Point Recovery Community Center, Four Rivers Regional Prevention Center, Purchase District Health Department, and McCracken County Public Library are serving as key partners and site leaders for the event.

McCracken County ASAP is a coalition of community partners working toward adolescent and adult substance misuse prevention and recovery support for all in McCracken County. The coalition meets monthly and represents over 30 local organizations and agencies. More information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/mccrackencountyasap