Just Don’t Die is a grassroots initiative, based out of Los Angeles, founded to stop the overwhelming and devastating increase in fentanyl-related overdoses in our community. In the last 5 years alone there has been a 3,917% increase, with the highest overdose rates seen in the last two years.

The rising tide of overdoses and overdose related deaths demands immediate action and intervention. This is needed even more during times of higher recreational drug usage - which often occur during celebratory gatherings such as Pride.

Weekend Warriors (casual users), like many who celebrate at a festival like Pride, are often at even higher risk of fatality. Casual users do not expect fentanyl to be in the party drugs they most often engage in, unfortunately it is increasingly present in many of these. Therefore many don’t take any precautions and they’re not habitual users so they don’t even think they need the precautions. They are also at a higher risk of death because they don’t have a tolerance to opioids.

With the influx of fentanyl-laced party drugs, it is of paramount importance for people to be able to test whatever they may encounter while celebrating, and for all to have opioid reversal agents easily available at hand.

The majority of existing initiatives are led by governmental entities or by families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Those in need of assistance are less likely to utilize the services offered by these groups due to stigmas and the fear of “being outed.” The public awareness efforts often utilize ineffective and outdated marketing campaigns, which do not appeal to their target audience or solely prioritize abstinence, and therefore are not as effective at achieving their desired result: saving lives.

Just Don’t Die’s goal is to provide safety and understanding for people who use, from people who used to. We are uniquely positioned to make the greatest impact in helping to curb overdoses and overdose-related deaths; our founders are able to use their own experiences (and resulting sobriety) to better serve the people most in need. We know how to talk to these people, we were these people!

We are sick of seeing our loved ones die. Are you?

Whoever saves a single life, is as though they saved the entire world.

Help us stop overdose deaths during pride!

Help Us Stop Overdose Deaths During Pride!

We are sick of seeing our loved ones die. Are you?

Team Members