Volunteer of the Week: Isabella Mouradian

End Overdose is made possible by hundreds of volunteers working tirelessly across the country. Some of them are training attendees at national festivals on how to respond to an overdose, while others are packing naloxone kits in our office well into the evening hours. We want to shine a light on the people whose efforts make our resources free and accessible to all, so we’re excited to share our Volunteer of the Week: Isabella Mouradian!

“Isabella is an amazing volunteer for EO at the University of South Florida,” says Joy Yang. “She is a consistent and passionate member of our club, and was the only member to volunteer for us at Breakaway Tampa 2025 - during End Overdose USF's first semester ever. As a current USF alum, she commutes to campus to continue training students on campus. Additionally, she is one of the only non-executive board members who is certified and actively conducts long form training!”

Can you tell us about yourself and your story?

Growing up in a family built from refugees, I saw first-hand the impact of marginalization on communities and individuals. I quickly learned that opportunity is not always distributed equally. Some must fight harder because of systemic barriers that contribute to widespread inequities. This awareness shaped my perspective and instilled in me a responsibility to advocate for those who are often overlooked.

As a Bachelor of Science graduate in Biomedical Sciences from USF, and an aspiring physician, I’ve come to develop a deep commitment to medicine. Notwithstanding my love for the field, my background has led me to recognize the intrinsic inequalities that lie within it. A patient’s race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographical location can all significantly influence the care they receive. I aim to be a physician who not only provides treatment, but one who also sees, hears, and understands each patient in their full humanity. Why stop at being their healer when being their advocate is just as essential?

This exact question is what has guided me towards community-based work. This includes volunteering at free clinics, becoming involved in research, and launching an initiative entitled Bella’s Book Bridge (Instagram: @bellabookbridge).

What inspired you to volunteer for End Overdose?

“Why stop at being their healer when being their advocate is just as essential?” Previously, I mentioned that this question is what led me to volunteer at free clinics, become involved in research, and launch an initiative entitled Bella’s Book Bridge (Instagram: @bellabookbridge). I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it’s also what inspired me to volunteer for End Overdose.

End Overdose’s mission to provide education, training, and naloxone access resonated with me because it turns awareness into action and equips everyday people to save lives. No individual should be left vulnerable simply because they lack the support, knowledge, or resources to protect themselves. As we say at End Overdose, “No one else has to die.”

What are your favorite memories of volunteering with End Overdose?

If I had to pick a favorite memory, it’d be watching the mental ‘shift’ of the individuals who attend our booths. They arrive initially unaware of our cause but leave with a sense of urgency to care for the members of their community - strangers or not.

These moments remind me that all individuals have the capacity to learn, care, and serve others. Advocacy, I’ve noticed, does not always begin in formal settings; It often starts with simple conversations that empower someone to act.