Amid college life’s hustle, nothing prepares you for the sudden loss of a close friend. I experienced this heartbreak firsthand when a dear classmate’s life was cut tragically short by an overdose. The emotional and academic toll was immediate and profound. Yet, amid the grief, I discovered a call to action: a mission to help ensure that other Utahns do not suffer the same fate.
The pain of loss has driven me to become an advocate on campus. As a student who navigated the turmoil of losing someone so unexpectedly, I understand the challenges we face: balancing grief with academic responsibilities and struggling to find resources for healing.
This personal journey led me to launch SafeSteps: Rise Against Risk, a grassroots initiative dedicated to overdose prevention and harm reduction. Our program organizes peer-led workshops, distributes educational materials and collaborates with local health experts to bring awareness to a crisis that is often hidden behind statistics.
According to Utah’s Department of Health, overdose rates continue to climb, underscoring the urgent need for prevention measures that resonate with our community.
While college campuses can be hotspots for overdose risks, the issue extends far beyond the classroom.
In Utah, a major barrier to saving lives is the difficulty many face in accessing naloxone. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Despite its proven effectiveness, numerous policy and logistical gaps restrict its availability.
For example, many local pharmacies still require cumbersome procedures or face supply shortages, leaving students and community members vulnerable.
Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that broader naloxone access can dramatically reduce overdose deaths. Yet, Utah’s policies have yet to catch up with this life-saving potential.
Critics might argue that implementing broader naloxone access is challenging in our state’s unique landscape. However, it is not a question of feasibility but of prioritization.
We need policies that streamline distribution, remove financial barriers and empower local organizations to take preventive action.
Initiatives like SafeSteps not only bring education to campus but also advocate for policy changes that increase naloxone availability. Utah’s own Governor’s office has the opportunity and responsibility to revise current guidelines and ensure that every community has the tools to prevent another overdose tragedy.
Our community is resilient, and as Utahns, we have the strength to transform pain into purpose.
Local leaders, health professionals and educators must work together to create a more responsive public health framework. I urge our policymakers to consider targeted legislation that reduces bureaucratic hurdles for naloxone distribution and funds training programs on overdose prevention.
At the same time, I encourage my fellow students and community members to engage actively in local forums and town halls, share their stories and demand change from their elected officials.
This is a defining moment for our state. By investing in accessible naloxone programs and supporting grassroots initiatives like SafeSteps: Rise Against Risk, Utah can lead by example in the fight against overdose. Every conversation, every public meeting and every new policy is a step toward a safer, healthier future for our communities.
I invite Utahns — students, educators, health professionals and concerned citizens alike — to join me in advocating for improved overdose prevention measures.
Contact your local representatives, attend community meetings, and support efforts that make naloxone accessible to everyone. Together, we can honor those we have lost and ensure that their memories inspire meaningful change.
Additional links:
Utah Awareness Week: Project in Motion | Cole Brunner
Health Education – Center for Campus Wellness – Student Affairs – The University of Utah
Center for Campus Wellness – Student Affairs – The University of Utah
–Cole Brunner, Head of SafeSteps: Rise Against Risk
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