A student at Dunwoody High School has started a fundraiser to make the overdose reversal drug Narcan available in each classroom.
Mady Cohen, a junior, is collecting money to provide Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, to every classroom and common area on campus. The nasal spray is a prescription medication used in opioid overdoses, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
On Aug. 28, police and medical teams were called to the school after a reported drug overdose. Staff members had 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.
This is the second reported overdose at DHS in 2024. 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.
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.”
Cohen said she believe it will take about $5,000 to fully stock each classroom and common area at the school.
The project has the full endorsement of the high school’s PTSO and administration, she said, especially from the school’s principal, Tom Bass. Funds collected will also be designated for “opioid education and overdose prevention for students, teachers, and staff,” according to a flyer being circulated around the community.
Those interested in donating to the fund can pay through VENMO to the school’s Parent Teacher Student Organization (@DunwoodyPTSO) and indicate the money is designated to Mady’s Narcan Project, or send a check directly to the PTSO with the same memo.
