Chapter of the Week: University of Arizona

End Overdose's chapter program is vital to our success in equipping young people with lifesaving education and resources. In cities and on college campuses, we trust them to spread the word through a true peer-to-peer model. Our members and volunteers are committing endless hours to End Overdose's cause, so we want to highlight a chapter every week.

Today, we're proud to highlight our University of Arizona chapter! We spoke with Chapter President Kianna Davis about her chapter's accomplishments on campus, the chapter's evolving work within the Tucson community, and much more.

What sparked your interest in overdose prevention/response and End Overdose in particular?

My team and I are deeply committed to providing leadership on campus and advocating student safety, as well as raising public awareness about the signs and symptoms of drug overdoses. Through education on the proper use of naloxone and testing strips, we aim to promote knowledge, preparedness, and safety within our community of Tucson, AZ.

Can you describe your experience as the chapter president?

As President, balancing nursing school, a part-time job, and my role with End Overdose has been challenging, but I could not be more grateful for the experience. It has allowed me to grow not only as a leader, but also as a collaborator with my team and the community we serve. Knowing that our events and educational efforts are helping to save lives within the Tucson community and among students at our school makes this one of the most fulfilling chapters to be a part of.

What are the major highlights from your chapter’s work to date?

One accomplishment I am proud of this year is our continued commitment to presenting to the EMT class twice each semester. The students are consistently engaged in learning how to recognize and respond to an overdose, and it is incredibly fulfilling to share our knowledge so that more students on campus are prepared to act in these critical situations. I know I can speak for the rest of my team in saying how meaningful this work has been to all of us. One highlight from this past year that I am especially excited about was our collaboration with Desert Haze, a monthly vintage market held downtown on Congress. Our Event Coordinator, Sthuthi Das, introduced the idea of volunteering at the market, as she had been enjoying attending it in her own time, and it has quickly become my favorite event to volunteer at. The market fosters a vibrant, social atmosphere—whether people are shopping, thrifting, grabbing a bite to eat, or stopping by our table to learn more about End Overdose and our mission to protect the community.

What do you envision for the future of your chapter?

In the coming year, I hope to collaborate more closely with athletics by volunteering at additional sporting events on campus, as well as organizing percentage nights at local restaurants and coffee shops to support fundraising efforts for End Overdose. Looking ahead, I also aim to expand our outreach by tabling at more music festivals and clubs throughout Tucson. Overall, I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished as the University of Arizona’s End Overdose chapter, and none of it would have been possible without my dedicated team and our shared passion for promoting overdose safety and awareness.