Volunteer of the Week: Maddie Hildebrand

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: Maddie Hildebrand!

"Maddie is such an incredible part of the Bay Area chapter,” says chapter Vice President Mac Francini. “She is dedicated to the End Overdose cause like no other. Maddie always shows up to our events with a smile on her face and the desire to make a difference. Outside of our events, Maddie is always prepared to spread the End Overdose message. You’ll never catch Maddie without her naloxone, and she’s ready to give a training at any time. Maddie is an excellent addition to this organization and we’re so glad to have her as a part of it!"

Can you tell us about yourself and your story?

My name is Maddie Hildebrand, I’m a Bay Area native and have been with End Overdose since 2023! I learned about the organization through a social media post that was giving instructions on how to test substances for fentanyl. I remember feeling so grateful that there was an organization focused on spreading awareness and providing information on how to prevent and respond to opioid overdoses, especially at a time when it felt like there weren’t many resources available.

What inspired you to volunteer for End Overdose?

I was inspired to volunteer for End Overdose after I lost a loved one to a fentanyl overdose in April 2020. After this loss, I wanted to honor them by giving back to the community and finding an organization that focused on overdose prevention. When I discovered End Overdose, I was immediately drawn to their mission, and knew I wanted to get involved.

What are your favorite memories of volunteering with End Overdose?

One of my favorite memories is volunteering with End Overdose during Illenium’s tour in 2023. These shows were the first events I worked with the organization, and they were incredibly fulfilling. Another favorite memory was volunteering with my best friend Mac at Breakaway in Sacramento. It was the first event we did together, and in just two days, we distributed around 1,000 doses of naloxone! Through End Overdose, I’ve met so many amazing people, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of this incredible mission.