For years, West Virginia has carried the highest overdose rate in the nation. In 2018, Charleston, the state’s capital and largest city, lost its only accessible syringe services program.
What followed had real consequences for public health. The CDC later identified the region as facing one of the most concerning HIV outbreaks in the country.
From that moment, SOAR WV was formed – rooted in a simple but powerful mission:
SOAR’s mission is to save lives, reduce harm and stigma, and empower individuals impacted by drug use through harm reduction, advocacy, and access to life-saving resources – helping build a community rooted in care and dignity for all.
Visit the Soar WV Site to learn more
In 2020, SOAR launched a bold idea: what if, for one day, volunteers blanketed their communities with free naloxone?
That September, two West Virginia counties piloted the first Save a Life Day. In a single day, 2,100 doses were distributed. Volunteers set up tables at gas stations, churches, libraries, coffee shops – anywhere neighbors gathered.
2021 – West Virginia Expands
Seventeen of the hardest-hit counties joined the movement. Together, they distributed 8,000 doses in one day. What began as a pilot was becoming a statewide effort.
2022 – All 55 Counties
Every county in West Virginia participated. Nearly 20,000 doses were distributed. The theme, “Meeting People Where They Are,” was meant both literally and figuratively. We practiced radical acceptance of all points of view and life situations, while also strategically planning low-barrier events.
2023 – Naloxone Across Appalachia
All thirteen Appalachian states from Alabama to New York participated, and around 45,000 doses were distributed. The theme, “Partnering with People with Lived Experience,” reinforced building power with people who have been impacted by the overdose crisis.
2024 – East of the Mississippi
Thirty-five states joined, including all 26 states east of the Mississippi River! Nearly 84,000 doses were distributed. The theme, “Naloxone Everywhere,” focused on naloxone access in key sectors and year-round naloxone accessibility. Thanks to generous sponsorship from CareSource, 50 free naloxone vending boxes were distributed nationwide. Over a thousand emergency wall boxes and ONEbox™ units were placed in high-need communities.
2025 – All 50 States
Save a Life Day became fully national. All fifty states participated, distributing around 133,000 doses in a single day. The theme, “Mutual Aid Saves Lives,” reminded us that we take care of each other. Organizers shared food, hosted resource fairs, built partnerships, and supported one another. Naloxone distribution tools were again provided to participating communities.
What started as a two-county pilot in West Virginia is now the largest annual day of free naloxone distribution in the United States!
Each year, we carry hope forward. And each year, more communities join the movement.
Take the lead as a State or County Organizer in your community.
