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, whether it's tabling at student events or running booths at concerts across the country, so we want to highlight a chapter every week.
Today, we're proud to highlight our Vanderbilt chapter! We spoke with chapter president Zach Buchanan about his chapter's comprehensive approach to training students on campus, reaching 10% of Vanderbilt's entire student population, and much more.
What sparked your interest in overdose prevention/response and End Overdose in particular?
Nashville faces one of the most severe overdose crises among major U.S. metropolitan areas. Recognizing this reality within my own community compelled me to move from being a bystander to becoming actively involved in prevention and response efforts. I was drawn to End Overdose because of its commitment to providing neutral, evidence-based, and accessible education. The organization’s peer-to-peer model equips individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to act in emergencies, which is critical in a city like Nashville where rapid response can save lives.
Can you describe your experience as the chapter president?
Serving as chapter president has centered on expanding access to life-saving education across campus and into the broader Nashville community. I have prioritized bringing comprehensive, long-form training sessions directly into Vanderbilt’s social spaces, including Greek houses, student organizations, and residence halls, so that overdose response education integrates seamlessly into students’ daily lives. My leadership approach emphasizes sustainability and shared responsibility, ensuring that students feel prepared to step in and respond confidently during an emergency.
What are the major highlights from your chapter’s work to date?
In 2025, our chapter achieved record-breaking impact within the Vanderbilt and Nashville communities.
Community Reach: We trained 876 individuals, primarily Vanderbilt students, reaching approximately 10 percent of the undergraduate population.
Essential Resources: We distributed over 500 doses of naloxone and 552 fentanyl testing strips to increase emergency preparedness.
Large-Scale Mobilization: We co-coordinated the university’s Drug Take-back Day and partnered with the Tennessee Department of Health and other nonprofits to assemble 2,500 prevention kits in a single day for distribution across Nashville.
What do you envision for the future of your chapter?
The Vanderbilt chapter will continue expanding high-impact training and resource distribution at our university’s largest events, such as Lights on the Lawn and Rites of Spring, which are outdoor music festivals that draw thousands of students. We also plan to extend our reach into Nashville’s nightlife community, including Broadway bars and bartender training programs. By equipping hospitality staff at some of the city’s busiest venues with overdose response training and naloxone access, we aim to bridge campus initiatives with citywide efforts and create a more prepared and connected community.
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