LP Board Members Conduct 2nd Community Narcan Distribution After SVDP Food Pantry Volunteering

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

This past Saturday, three of our LP board members dedicated their time to partnering with the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in another biweekly food drive. Working with this established organization to package food and other necessities demonstrates our ongoing efforts to collaborate and establish a presence in the community.

LP Board Members: Parker, Drew, & Quentin (Left to Right)

Following this event, Parker and Quentin conducted our second community Narcan distribution effort throughout the Bloomington-Normal area. Our mission was simple but powerful: To increase access to this life-saving emergency medication within our community. We visited local businesses, community centers, and other high-traffic locations, aiming to reach new parts of town while continuing to foster the same sense of trust and collaboration that defined our first initiative.

We’re proud to share that the response was once again overwhelmingly positive. Across four locations, we distributed 96 Narcan devices (24 each). Among our stops, we visited Four Seasons I, where we spoke with a front desk worker eager to support our efforts; VFW Post 454, where we connected with Laurie, the bartender and manager who welcomed our mission; Huck’s Gas Station on South Main Street, where we met Olivia, whose passion for overdose prevention deeply resonated with ours; and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, where we spoke with John about how simple accessibility can make a world of difference. Each interaction reminded us that meaningful change starts with conversations - one person, one business, and one shared goal at a time.

While these successes were the highlight of our day, we also faced a few obstacles that highlight the realities of community-based outreach. At one location, a front desk worker at Main Street Convenience Store was hesitant to accept the medication without managerial approval due to liability concerns. Another location, Danbury Court Apartments, was closed early for the weekend, preventing us from making contact. These moments remind us of the logistical and institutional challenges that often accompany grassroots health initiatives, especially those focused on public safety and stigma reduction.

Still, these setbacks only strengthen our resolve. Each outreach effort teaches us something new about the landscape of our community and the persistence required to create change. As The Lumina Project continues to grow, we remain dedicated to bridging gaps in public health access, expanding our network of local partners, and ensuring that every life has the chance to be saved. Our work continues - with empathy, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.