With fentanyl being the number one killer of Americans under 50, it’s more important than ever to have easy access to naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses. In fact, naloxone has saved the lives of tens of thousands of people.
Today, on a heartfelt episode of Grieving Out Loud, we are privileged to have Justin Phillips join us—a remarkable woman at the forefront of making naloxone more accessible. Her unwavering mission stems from personal tragedy; she endured the devastating loss of her son, Aaron, to a drug overdose.
Justin’s advocacy has left an indelible mark, leading to an Indiana law named after her son that increases Narcan accessibility. Beyond this legislative milestone, she founded the non-profit Overdose Lifeline and has received multiple awards for her tireless and life-saving efforts.
Justin and Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke have also attended several of the same advocacy events, including being invited to the White House to meet with some of the nation’s top officials tackling the drug crisis. You can read about Angela’s experience at that meeting on her blog.
We hope this episode leaves you more informed about our nation’s drug crisis, more inspired to make a difference, and brings comfort to those who have lost a child to drugs.
MEET THE GUEST
Justin Phillips
Justin Phillips is the Founder and CEO of Overdose Lifeline, Inc. (ODL), a non-profit committed to reducing substance use disorder stigma and preventing opioid overdose deaths. Following the loss of her son Aaron Sims in 2013, she tirelessly championed Aaron’s Law, enabling over-the-counter access to naloxone. With a Master’s in Clinical Addiction Counseling and philanthropic studies, Justin is dedicated to creating awareness through ODL’s impactful work. As a certified Grief Recovery Method® practitioner, she is a sought-after speaker on the national, regional, and local circuit.
