I have discovered that the city of Bristol VA does not adequate funds within their budget to equip their police and fire departments with the rescue drug Naloxone. This fund raiser aims to supplement these required yet missing funds. One might wonder why it is important to arm the police and fire department personnel with Naloxone when EMT personnel already carry it. Research has shown that those first on scene are more times than not police or fire squad members. When someone is in the middle of an overdose the few minutes that it may take for the EMTs to arrive are the difference between life and death.

I have met with both Chief Austin and Chief Armstrong and they both have expressed interest in being given these life-saving tools which will reverse all forms of Opioid drug overdoses. It is my hope to equip these fine gentlemen and their teams with the tools and skills to help save the lives of those in our community who have fallen down the path of drug abuse. If we can put Naloxone in the hands of our police and fire personnel not only will they be capable of reviving overdosed individuals but also give them another lease on life..

Our group is comprised of many people: citizens, business owners, authority figures, former addicts, family members who have lost loved ones.

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door. -Emma Lazarus

To many the above is merely a famous quote they remember reading high school. To some it may hearken thoughts of Ellis Island and the 12 million immigrants who passed through its gates from 1892 to 1954 seeking a fresh start in the land of the free and the home of the brave: the land of opportunity. However, these words have an even greater meaning. Give me your wretched, refused, homeless, tempest-tossed, yearning to breathe free. Send them to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door. What these words truly mean is that we most guide and protect all who are downtrodden whether by their own means or through catastrophic events. Many are quick to dismiss the troubles and strife faced by those in active addiction; we aim to change the mindset and to educate so that we can come together as a community and help those who are in greatest need. We stand with our lamp beside the golden door to guide the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. We encourage you to stand beside us and let them know that they are not alone.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1154854757898313/

I would like to extend thanks to the aforementioned people for taking time out of their schedules to come speak at our event and show their support for a great cause. Lastly, I would like to extend an extra special thank you to Laura Marie Flores from Designs by Laura Marie San Antonio Texas for taking the time to design our flyers, logos, and Bristol Saves Lives t-shirts.