Narcan saves lives

by Renee Fite

City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media


Death by overdose in the United States may have decreased 4 percent between 2022 and 2023, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, but 32.6 deaths per 100,000 people, is too many sons and daughters to have lost to drugs like fentanyl.


Adair County had the 14th highest drug overdose rate in Oklahoma between 2018 and 2022, with adults ages 45-54 having the highest death rate, according to Oklahoma.gov - drug overdose deaths. 


Bailey Waldrop, RN and Community Health Nurse is one of those people working to educate the community to save lives. 


“I love my community and I want to help it. All my family helps others. We want Stilwell to be a place our young people will stay,” Waldrop said.


She’s excited about the resources coming into the county.

Bailey Waldrop and Mayor Wright


Mayor Jean Ann Wright discusses Narcan training for City of Stilwell employees with Bailey Waldrop, RN and Community Health Nurse.

Renee Fite photo

“Drug use remains a significant public health issue throughout our county,” said Waldrop.


In Stilwell, this includes opioids and, more recently, substances laced with fentanyl. Many are puzzled by the presence of fentanyl in drugs, but the reason is simple: it’s inexpensive and highly addictive, leading to repeat customers for dealers. 


“This poses a major risk to the public, because fentanyl is extremely dangerous and requires precise dosing. As a result of this new threat, overdoses are increasing,” Waldrop said.


Mayor Jean Ann Wright met with Waldrop to discuss training for city employees.


“Our ladies take money all day long, and a lot more often money is contaminated. Our park guys and sanitation workers sometimes have to pick up syringes and no telling what else,” Wright said. 


Her goal is to provide education to protect the city workers and be prepared in an emergency.



“We need more prevention education in our county, and in our schools so our youth can learn to break that cycle,” said Wright.


Community members can access Adair County's drug overdose and usage statistics through the Oklahoma State Department of Health's drug overdose dashboard. 


“Overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., surpassing even motor vehicle accidents. As a community health nurse, my primary goal is to ensure public health and safety, and addressing opioid use and overdose is a crucial part of that mission,” Waldrop said.


Naloxone (Narcan) saves lives.


“I would like to emphasize that carrying naloxone (Narcan) is not limited to individuals who use drugs or know someone using opioids. Every individual has the power to save a life by carrying this life-saving medication, which is available free of charge,” said Waldrop. 


The Stilwell community benefits from various resources and drug prevention initiatives.

“I am deeply honored to have partnered with the Cherokee County Health Coalition for this project. Their dedication to securing Narcan at no cost for our community has been invaluable,” she said. Currently, several dispensers located around town, with the first dispenser being placed on the County Courthouse lawn, behind the bandstand. 


“The collaboration we have established with the County Commissioners and the Cherokee County Health Coalition has been a tremendous blessing. These dispensers also provide educational materials and drug disposal packets, all accessible at no cost,” she said. 


Anyone is welcome to approach the purple dispenser, open the door, and take whatever resources they need. 


“Additionally, many local churches in our community have been actively involved in drug prevention efforts, offering meaningful support through resources such as clothing, food, meetings, and other assistance. Together, these initiatives are creating impactful and lasting change within our community,” said Waldrop.


The overdose problem is worldwide. 

“International Overdose Awareness Day has been recognized globally for several years as a vital campaign to promote unity and education on the risks of drug abuse and overdose prevention. The initiative seeks to foster a supportive environment for individuals struggling with addiction and their families, free from guilt or shame,” Waldrop said. 


Substance abuse remains a significant challenge worldwide, with some regions facing more severe issues than others. 


“I am optimistic about the future of our community. Education and awareness are powerful tools, and it is the responsibility of the healthcare sector to lead these efforts within our communities. Nationally recognized observances like Overdose Awareness Day create meaningful opportunities to educate the public and contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding addiction,” she said.


The bulk of Adair County’s drug prevention and assistance programs that are open to the public are being administered through churches at this time. Several local churches have banded together to host meetings and provide support to those in addiction as well as recovered addicts. 


“While we have resources to help those in addiction, drug prevention efforts are certainly an area our community can improve upon. Educating and providing resources to the younger community members is vital,” said Waldrop.


“As a community health nurse, I have been working with local schools to provide Narcan education, training and drug education to students. This will be a new prevention effort in our community and I am excited to see the effects ripple across our younger generation.” 


The churches are a huge blessing for prevention education.


“I feel like God is turning over a new leaf in Adair County,” Waldrop said.


The mayor said, “once they break the cycle of addiction, it would also help with homelessness because many could return home.”


Mental health in this county runs hand in hand with addiction.


“We have to see the humanity in people, and stop dehumanizing them,” said Waldrop.


Stigma is part of the problem.

“I strongly believe that the stigma surrounding addiction must be eliminated. At the core, every individual struggling with addiction is a human being, just like you and me. While it is important to establish healthy boundaries with family members battling addiction, we must never question their humanity or deem them undeserving of a life filled with health and forgiveness,” she said. 


Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness, regardless of the challenges they struggle with. People with a lot of childhood trauma are more susceptible and have addictive personalities.


“Those facing addiction are no different from us in their intrinsic value and potential. It is equally important for individuals struggling with addiction to know that there is hope beyond their current circumstances. They were created with purpose, and there are people who genuinely want to support them in achieving success and fulfilling the unique plans that God has for their lives,” she said. 


Help is abundant.


“If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please do not hesitate to seek help. Resources such as those provided by the Cherokee County Health Coalition, Cherokee Nation Health Services, Chain Breakers Ministries, and other organizations are readily available to assist you in your journey to recovery. These services are here to support you and help build a brighter future for our community,” Waldrop said. “If your business, school or family would like Narcan training and education please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (918) 570-9676.”