Helped pass a STATEWIDE Prescription Drug Monitoring Program- SB63
Over the course of several months, I attended several virtual training sessions learning how to become an advocate and craft proposals. I led a youth campaign with PreventEd to engage youth around St.Louis to speak with their representatives. I spoke with several Missouri senators/representatives via video calls making the case for a statewide PDMP. SB 63 (PDMP bill) was successfully passed into law on June 10.
Naloxbox Initative
I've have been working with several community coalitions to place Naloxboxes in high risk locations around St. Louis County and City. NaloxBoxes provide access to publicly available overdose response tools, improve the capacity of bystander rescues, and reduce mortality from opioid overdose through the early administration of naloxone, and provide animosity to individuals during an overdose. Naloxboxes are timely solution to a nationwide health crisis.
Co-Founder and President of Rockwood Youth Connection
Rockwood Youth Connection is a districtwide coalition centered on students’ mental, social-emotional and physical well-being. RYC leads conversations, information and resources on mental health and substance use issues. We are currently working on a Sticker Shock Campaign. Created an informational video for Red Ribbon Week.
Featured Articles:
Rockwood​ District News: https://www.rsdmo.org/site/
West Newsmagazine : https://www.westnewsmagazine.com/schools/
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2021 PreventED Volunteer Award
Teen Institute 2021
A powerful seminar designed to train high school students to prevent substance misuse among their peers. I learned up-to-date information regarding the consequences of alcohol and other drug use and misuse. Also I learned strategies to lead conversations with those struggling with misuse.
ElevatED
I am an active member of ElevatEd, a youth council with reach over St. Louis that strives to prevent underage drinking and related substance misuse through awareness, education, and advocacy, and to create strong and healthy communities. We meet to examine the similarities between mental health and outside factors like substance use, as well as promote mental wellness in our community.
Board of Directors-Teen Representative for PreventEd
Advisor to the Executive Board, participate regularly in board meetings and attend relevant committee. I work with the Executive Director to strategize ways to involve youth and help present grant funding proposals. I've been a part of PreventEd's 2022-2024 strategic planning and 2021 Legislative Forum which featured senators and representative from across the state. I have gained valuable insight into the governance and inner workings of a nonprofit organization while providing PreventEd with a fresh perspective on critical business issues.
Featured on PrevenTable Podcast
PrevenTable is a podcast that features candid conversations about the intersection of alcohol, drugs, and mental health on everyday lives. In this episode I discussed the Naloxbox initiative, why I got interested in the opioid crisis, how I started my nonprofit, The Opioid Project.
KSDK Channel 5 Commercial with PreventEd
I had the opportunity to be a part of a commercial with PreventEd that aired during the KSDK's Olympic coverage and continues to air every month. The commercial encourages all people to stay connected with one another by doing “buddy checks.” It’s important to have actual conversations. Maybe that means scheduling an appointment to check in on your friends and family. They may not come out and say how they’re feeling right away, but those conversations can be crucial for someone’s mental health.