Dunwoody High School Junior Mady Cohen’s efforts to raise $5,000 so that opioid-reversing Narcan could be available in every classroom at the school, has not only met her goal but more than doubled it.
Cohen reported that more than $11,000 has been raised so far, not only fulfilling the original goal, but also allowing for the expansion of drug education for students, teachers and parents.
“It felt so great going to classrooms and handing it [supplies of Narcan] out directly to teachers,” she said. “We have begun discussions for an educational piece for students, teachers, and parents on the dangers of opioid addiction and overdose prevention.”
And Cohen’s goals will expand beyond the doors of DHS.
“My goal is once we have set this up at Dunwoody High School, I can use it to give to other high schools as a template for their school,” she said.
Cohen was recognized for her efforts this week when she received the 2024 Georgia Recovery Champion Award from the Georgia Council for Recovery at the organization’s luncheon.
“I met so many wonderful people who have had successful recoveries from opioid addiction,” she said. “I have learned that recovery resource is a piece I want to add to my project somehow.”
Cohen said she was motivated to start the drive after a reported drug overdose at the school.
On May 6, 15-year-old Mia Dieguez died after allegedly ingesting a Fentanyl-laced Percocet that was given to her by another student, despite concerted efforts to revive her. A minor, reportedly a classmate of Dieguez, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.
On Aug. 28, police and medical teams were called to the school again after a reported drug overdose. Staff members administered Narcan to a 16-year-old student and she was reported to be “alert, conscious and breathing” when the medical teams arrived, according to a statement by Dunwoody Police.
Cohen said she started the initiative over the summer after “seeing not only my friends, but an entire community suffer” after Dieguez’ death.
“This isn’t just a Dunwoody High School problem, it’s a world-wide epidemic,” she said. “I am hoping people from other schools will see this and do it for their communities.”
