End Overdose

End Overdose, a California-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, seeks to confront the drug overdose epidemic by promoting evidence-based strategies and fostering inclusivity and collaboration. They have a vision for a future where everyone affected by drug use receives necessary support and a de-stigmatized conversation, they advocate for reducing overdoses, empowering communities, and informing policies. Through initiatives such as establishing a central organization, End Overdose aims to facilitate a unified effort to combat overdoses.

Mission

Vision

End Overdose aims to address drug-related overdose deaths through education, medical intervention, and public awareness campaigns. Their objectives include reducing overdoses and deaths, empowering communities, and promoting evidence-based strategies. They aim to foster inclusivity, collaboration, and long-term impact in their efforts to provide support and resources for individuals affected by drug use.

Problem Statement

The issue of drug overdose is a notable national concern, leading to over a million deaths among Americans since 1999, with opioids contributing to over 70% of these fatalities. Fentanyl's potency and duration of effect distinguish it from other opioids and due to fentanyl's stronger and shorter-lived high, individuals may consume larger quantities and develop tolerance rapidly. Current harm reduction strategies face various challenges, such as inadequate funding, fragmented initiatives, cultural differences, underutilization of technological advancements, and issues related to inclusivity.

The End Overdose Solution

End Overdose feels that in addressing the drug overdose epidemic, it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses systemic challenges, encourages collaboration, secures adequate resources, utilizes technology effectively, and ensures inclusivity across all aspects of drug use in the United States. End Overdose works to bridge these gaps and lead an effort to end overdoses through coordinated and inclusive measures.

The proposed solution by End Overdose includes several strategies to address these challenges and bring about significant change:

1. Establishing a Central Backbone Organization: Creating a central entity to unify initiatives and provide support to frontline organizations.
2. Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging cooperation among various harm reduction groups and facilitating the sharing of best practices.
3. Utilizing Technology and Social Media: Leveraging modern technology and social media platforms to engage broader audiences and promote inclusivity.
4. Advocating Transparency and Professionalism: Promoting transparency and professionalism within harm reduction organizations to build trust and garner support.
5. Ensuring Inclusive Representation: Ensuring that the movement represents and addresses the diverse needs of individuals who use drugs.

Programmatic Components include:

• Capacity Building: Developing a framework for enhancing capacity through technical assistance, grant provision, and organizational support.
• Public Education and Awareness: Launching public education campaigns, providing access to naloxone and test strips, and facilitating immediate access to addiction treatment.
• Resource Allocation: Establishing operational hubs, facilitating connections among organizations, and identifying innovative approaches to resource allocation.

History

2017

Theo Krywicki, along with advocate Ryan Hampton, collaborated to address drug overdose issues. Their partnership resulted in a Facebook live training session during a Mobilize Recovery event, concentrating on naloxone usage. Theo, a paramedic in Riverside County, identified the necessity for simplified training and subsequently established End Overdose. Initially focusing on drug treatment centers and sober living homes in Southern California, the organization aimed to provide Narcan training due to the high rates of opioid use in the region. Theo's initiative provided free training to ensure these facilities were equipped to administer naloxone effectively.

2018

Katie Krzywicki and Leah Schexnayder joined the team, contributing to the establishment of the organization's legal framework and website development. With their contributions, End Overdose obtained federal 501c3 status. The organization formed partnerships with entities such as the LA County Substance Abuse Prevention Control, Harm Reduction Coalition, Remedy Alliance, Painted Brain, and various government and community organizations. End Overdose participated in California's Narcan Distribution Project, distributing 120 kits across 15 different centers.

End Overdose received recognition when invited to conduct a naloxone training at the Echoplex in LA, following the tragic death of Lil Peep. This event later evolved into a monthly community meeting until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Additionally, End Overdose collaborated with the Los Angeles Nightlife Association, building trust and connections with various nightlife and underground party organizers.

2019

End Overdose extended its outreach by conducting trainings with the West Hollywood City Council and forming partnerships with the Los Angeles mayor's office. With the appointment of Chris Poyorena to oversee daily operations and Theo's position in the Los Angeles City Fire Department, the organization enhanced its capabilities. End Overdose began planning a pro bono media campaign worth $100,000, intending to equip all Los Angeles residents with skills to respond to overdoses effectively. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of this campaign and other scheduled initiatives.

2020

In response to increasing reports of fentanyl overdoses and resource shortages during the pandemic, End Overdose created its first online training program. This initiative aimed to broaden outreach and meet the urgent demand for overdose prevention resources in difficult circumstances.

2021

End Overdose observed a notable increase in online training participation, attributed to increased engagement on social media platforms. The California Narcan Distribution Project provided End Overdose with 3600 doses of Narcan, supplemented by an acquisition of 3000 doses of intramuscular naloxone for distribution. Starting in October, End Overdose commenced structured training sessions tailored for larger-scale nightlife gatherings.

2022

End Overdose introduced an updated version of its online training platform and collaborated with artists and creators such as Cami Petyn, Hvdes, and Cooper Noriega to expand its outreach efforts. Additionally, the organization launched its first college outreach chapter at UCLA and took part in the mobilize recovery tour in September. Throughout this tour, End Overdose distributed 10,000 doses of naloxone and 5,000 fentanyl testing strips across the nation.

In October 2022, End Overdose formed a partnership with Insomniac Events, a notable EDM festival production company, to increase its presence within the music community. Later in the same year, the organization worked with the National Association of City and County Health Officials and CDC Foundation on a project focused on delivering training sessions to middle and high schools across California.

Staff

• Katie Kryzywicki, Co-founder
• Leah Schexnayder, Co-founder
• Theo Krzywicki, Founder & CEO
• Nina Weisbrod, Director of Events
• Anthony Banuelos, Director of Operations
• Destiny Martinez, Fulfillment Leader
• Gianna Uy, Director of External Affairs and Programs
• Maddie Ward, Programs Coordinator
• Mike Giegerich, Director of Communications

Communities

Commemoration Garden

End Overdose has a "Garden" community where everyone can create a virtual grave for loved ones they have lost through overdose.

College Branches

• University of Arizona
• Cornell University
• UC Santa Barbara
• University of Virginia
• Claremont Colleges
• San Diego State University
• UCLA
• UC San Diego
• UC Riverside
• University of Alabama
• Vanderbilt University
• George Washington University
• University of Kentucky
• University of Texas-Dallas
• Cal Poly SLO
• UC Berkeley
• UC Irvine
• CU Boulder
• University of Washington
• Louisiana State University
• Keck School of Medicine (USC)
• Occidental College
• Florida State University
• university of Florida
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• University of Pittsburgh

City Branches

• Boston
• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Hawai'i

Statistics

• Fentanyl Testing Strips 495,250
• Naloxone Kits Distribution 269,481
• Number of People Trained 413,892
• Chapters 30
• Volunteers 640+

Partnerships

• Insomniac
• Live Nation
• AEG
• OVERDRIVE
• Overdose Response Strategy
• Masimo
• hikma.
• Samhsa
• CDC