Learn to Save a Life: Free Fentanyl Awareness Event Set for April 29

A free online event later this month will give community members the tools to recognize and respond to a fentanyl overdose, a growing concern across the country.

Northwestern Community Services Board’s Prevention and Wellness Department will host a virtual Lunch and Learn on Zoom on April 29 from noon to 1:15 p.m. The event marks National Fentanyl Awareness Day and is open to anyone interested in learning more about the risks tied to fentanyl and how to prevent overdose deaths.

Participants will watch “The New Drug Talk,” a 27-minute film that explains how today’s drug landscape has changed and what families can do to stay safe. After the screening, attendees can join a guided discussion and ask questions about what they’ve learned.

The program also offers an optional REVIVE! Lay Rescuer Training. This session teaches people how to spot the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond using naloxone, a medication that can reverse overdoses. Those who complete the training will receive an overdose prevention kit that includes two doses of naloxone.

The event is part of a broader effort tied to a national campaign led by the nonprofit Song for Charlie. The group works to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and counterfeit pills, which are often made to look like prescription medications.

“We’re encouraged by recent signs of progress in reducing overdose deaths,” said Ed Ternan, co-founder of Song for Charlie. “But our work isn’t done. With expanded educational resources, we’re working to reach every student, parent, family, and community with the knowledge they need to navigate today’s drug landscape safely.”

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often mixed into other drugs without a person’s knowledge. Even a small amount can be deadly, which is why health officials stress the importance of education and access to life-saving tools like naloxone.

Organizers say the Lunch and Learn is designed to be simple, practical, and useful for everyday people. Whether someone is a parent, teacher, or neighbor, the goal is to help them feel more prepared to respond in an emergency.

People who cannot attend the live session can still find helpful information online, including fentanyl awareness resources and details about the REVIVE! training program.

Registration for the April 29 event is available through an online Zoom sign-up form.

Event Details:
Date: April 29, 2026.
Time: 12-1:15 p.m.
Location: Zoom– https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6aOABfS5SeaWM_e0Qhjocg
Format: Film screening with subsequent discussion, followed by REVIVE! Training