WVFF Encourages West Virginia to Participate in National Save A Life Day

WEST VIRGINIA (September 22, 2026) – The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is encouraging West Virginians to participate in Save A Life Day on Thursday, September 24, a nationwide day of action focused on increasing access to naloxone and helping prevent overdose deaths.

What began as a small West Virginia pilot has grown into a nationwide effort, with events now taking place across all 50 states. This year, more than 220 Save A Life Day events are currently planned across West Virginia, with additional locations expected to be added.

Naloxone is an easy-to-use medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, making access and awareness an important part of overdose prevention efforts. Save A Life Day helps put this lifesaving medication directly into communities while providing individuals with the knowledge and confidence to use it when needed. Last year alone, more than 39,000 doses of naloxone were distributed throughout West Virginia as part of Save A Life Day.

WVFF’s work to support naloxone access is also expanding. The Foundation was named by the West Virginia Attorney General as a designee representing the State to manage ongoing naloxone disbursements associated with the Teva settlement. As WVFF takes on this responsibility, it plans to continue working with the University of Charleston to help ensure naloxone kits reach intended providers across the state while strengthening outcomes tracking to better understand their use and impact.

“Save A Life Day is a powerful example of West Virginia leading the way in the fight against the substance use crisis,” said Jonathan Board, Executive Director of WVFF. “Naloxone saves lives, and making it readily available gives people another chance at recovery. As we take on a greater role in supporting naloxone distribution across the state, we remain focused on getting these resources where they are needed and understanding the impact they are making.”

Save A Life Day events offer free naloxone, brief training on recognizing an overdose and administering the medication, and information about local resources. 

West Virginians can find participating locations and event details across the state at www.savealife.day. To learn more about WVFF, visit wvfirst.org.