Individuals from Harmony Ridge Recovery Center pass out naloxone, food and other freebies during Save a Life Day, Thursday. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — On Thursday, communities across all 50 states took part in the first fully national “Save a Life Day,” a coordinated effort to distribute free naloxone and provide education on overdose prevention.

The annual event began as a two-county pilot in West Virginia in 2020 and has grown steadily each year. In 2024, organizers reported more than 650 events across 35 states, with volunteers distributing more than 84,000 doses of naloxone.

“Save a Life Day is a community event focused on overdose prevention, where volunteers distribute free naloxone, provide education on its use, and share local recovery resources,” said Sara Smith, representing Parkersburg’s First Stigma Reduction Foundation. “It’s a chance for communities to come together, raise awareness about substance use, and reduce stigma by showing support for those impacted. The event highlights that everyone has the power to save a life and be part of the solution to the overdose crisis.”

This year’s expansion marks the first time every state hosted events on the same day. Local organizations and volunteers set up booths, handed out naloxone kits, and offered training on how to recognize and respond to an overdose.

In the Mid-Ohio Valley, participating organizations included:

More than 20 groups provided free naloxone and overdose prevention education across the Mid-Ohio Valley during Save a Life Day on Thursday. (Photo Provided)

* Parkersburg’s First Stigma Reduction Foundation

* Harmony Ridge Recovery Center

* Jobs N Hope, Westbrook Health Services

* Recovery Point

* Mid-Ohio Valley Fellowship

* Anchor Wellness and Recovery

* Angels Harbor

* Peer Solutions

* The SUD Collaborative

* Parkersburg CTC

* St. Joseph Recovery Center

* Freedom Fighters

* The Gathering

* Clean and Clear Advantage Recovery

* BrightView Health

* Marietta Memorial Hospital

* Right Path

* Washington County Homeless Project

* South Eastern Ohio Counseling and Wellness

* Spero

* Integrated Behavioral Services

* Washington County Children Services

* House of Hope

* Oriana House

* Full Circle Recovery

* Rigel Recovery

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.