Credit: PA Internet News Service
Free distribution of naloxone, an easy-to-use nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses, will take place Thursday, Sept. 24, as part of the seventh annual Save a Life Day.
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The nationwide event focuses on combatting the overdose crisis through widespread access to the life-saving medication and community education.
Naloxone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration more than 50 years ago. It shifted from a prescription-only medication to an over-the-counter product in 2023.
More than 750 locations are scheduled to participate across the country, including 10 sites in Bucks County.
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Attendees at the following distribution points will receive free naloxone along with information on area resources:
- Bucks County Administration Building (Court Street Entrance): 55 E. Court St., Doylestown, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Bucks County Free Library Quakertown Branch: 401 W. Mill St., Quakertown, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Family Service Association of Bucks County: 4 Cornerstone Drive, Langhorne, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Family Service Association of Bucks County: 134 B Mill Road, Quakertown, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Penndel Mental Health Center Outpatient Center: 1517 Durham Road, Langhorne, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- PRO-ACT’s Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center: 1286 Veterans Highway, Bristol, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Rosewood Recovery: 140 Terry Drive, Suite 18, Newtown, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- St. Luke’s Grand View Hospital (Main Entrance): 700 Lawn Ave., Sellersville, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- St. Luke’s Penn Foundation Recovery Center Outpatient Building: 807 Lawn Ave., Sellersville, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus (Main Entrance): 3000 St. Luke’s Drive, Quakertown, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The program is coordinated by SOAR WV, a nonprofit organization that expanded the effort from a two-county West Virginia pilot project in 2021 into a national campaign by 2025.
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“There’s something magical about knowing that on the same day, people in communities everywhere, are connected by the simple belief that every life is worth saving,” said Sarah Stone, co-director of SOAR WV.
Save a Life Day works to promote year-round, low-barrier naloxone access alongside ongoing anti-stigma efforts.
“It takes hundreds of event organizers and thousands of volunteers to make this happen,” said Caroline Wilson, national Save a Life Day coordinator. “It’s a special day of naloxone distribution because we get to reach a broader audience, connect with new people, and hear their stories.”
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This year’s campaign features the theme “Elevate Harm Reduction.”
Organizers stated that the theme comes after federal grants earlier this year prohibited funding for certain supplies, as well as the use of phrases such as “harm reduction” and “never use alone.”
The national effort is backed by about two dozen sponsors, including major supporters Healing Appalachia — a philanthropic music festival supporting prevention and recovery efforts — and Harm Reduction Therapeutics, maker of the naloxone spray RiVive.
A complete list of participating counties, states, and interactive location maps are available at savealife.day.
