Danielle works at @briarpatchcoop, where she trains people on how to administer naloxone, a medication that reverses overdoses, and to use fentanyl test strips. “I love that I get an opportunity to show up and help somebody in some, maybe small and meaningful way every day,” she says.

Co-ops operate under cooperative principles, including concern for community and education, training, and information. When BriarPatch saw over 40 accidental deaths in their county in 2020, they decided to do something about it. Today Danielle and her team are teaching more and more people how to save lives.

People in Danielle’s community can ask the customer service desk at @briarpatchcoop for naloxone or fentanyl test strips, no questions asked. “It’s allowing folks a place to just come and gain access to this life-saving medication that they need,” she says. “This work is about love. And this work is about compassion. And it's about empathy. So go forward with love, right?”

Learn more about how to prevent and reverse opioid overdoses at UnshameCA.org. Just knowing you can help someone in an emergency is a great way to support your community.