Crisis
network of churches, barbershops, and beauty salons, the campaign builds grassroots momentum to expand statewide and nationally.
Community Engagement and Goals
Through proven marketing strategies and strong partnerships, Save A Life Campaign meets people where they live, worship, work, shop, and play.
Success in Forsyth County will pave the way for expansion into more North Carolina communities—and ultimately, across the nation—delivering prevention education, Narcan distribution, and hope where it’s needed most. Visit SaveALifeCampaign.ai to learn more.
Lafayette Jones
SMSi Urban Call Marketing
and Publisher
The Save A Life Campaign unites community champions, public health leaders, and caring neighbors to fight fentanyl and opioid overdoses. With partners including Forsyth County, FROST Members, YWCA, BCBS, Voices for Jared, foundations, and dedicated ambassadors, we bring prevention education, Narcan (overdose antidote), and hope to churches, barbershops, beauty salons, and neighborhoods. One pill can kill but one informed, prepared person can save a life. Join us!
Sandra Miller Jones SMSi Healthy Living Solutions, Inc. Founder & CEO
Founder
The Save A Life Campaign brings communities together to fight opioid misuse with education, harm reduction, and life-saving tools.
Unseen Patterns 2024 Update: The Overdose Story in Forsyth
County
Forsyth County’s overdose crisis continues to reveal unseen patterns. Emergency services answered 1,741overdose calls in 2024, up from 1,583 in 2023. The most striking change: alcohol-related overdoses jumped nearly fivefold, from 119 in 2023 to 548 in 2024. While alcohol is rising fastest, opioids — especially fentanyl — remain the deadliest risk. About 18% of all overdose calls involved opioids, with cases clustered in a few neighborhood hotspots near major roadways.
These overdoses affect people across race and age, though most calls involve white men aged 25–44. Black residents make up about 30% of calls, often at younger ages. Behind the numbers are lives, families, and communities. Each statistic represents neighbors who might have been saved with Narcan or connected to treatment. The data points to one clear truth: this is a widespread problem requiring prevention, education, and compassion.
Unseen Patterns 2024: The Overdose Story Revealed in Forsyth County Available online at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2e414ab7b5c84ea48b5e9ccb4d7acb81
While overall overdoses rose modestly, alcohol emergencies surged nearly fivefold. Opioids, including fentanyl, remain the deadliest risk. Source: Forsyth County Behavioral Health Services & MapForsyth.
Proportion of Overdose Calls Involving Opioids (2024)
Alcohol overdose calls jumped 360% in one year — but fentanyl and opioids still drive most overdose deaths.
Forsyth County overdose and alcohol-related emergency calls, 2023 vs. 2024. While overall overdoses rose modestly, alcohol emergencies surged nearly fivefold. Opioids, including fentanyl, remain the deadliest risk.
Source: Forsyth County Behavioral Health Services & MapForsyth
The bar chart highlights Forsyth County’s overall overdose calls and the sharp rise in alcohol-related emergencies from 2023 to 2024.
• Overdose calls (all drugs): 1,583 → 1,741
• Alcohol-related overdoses: 119 → 548 (nearly 5x increase)
• While alcohol spiked, opioids, especially fentanyl, remain the leading cause of preventable overdose deaths.
Even though alcohol calls rose the fastest, opioids — particularly fentanyl — still account for about 18% of all overdose calls and remain the deadliest factor.
Fentanyl is often mixed into street drugs without users knowing, making a single pill potentially fatal. Access to Narcan (naloxone) and community training continues to be life-saving.
Save a Life Program Supporters
Shontell Robinson
County Manager, Forsyth County
Shontell Robinson, Forsyth County Manager since July 2024, brings over 20 years of leadership in public health and human services, including guiding the county through the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, Forsyth County Behavioral Health supports the Forsyth Regional Opioid & Substance Use Team (FROST), which unites 80+ agencies to combat opioid misuse through education, overdoseprevention training, free naloxone, syringe disposal kiosks, and expanded treatment—reflecting Robinson’s deep commitment to community health and harm reduction.
Actress & Philanthropist
Eva Mendes is an acclaimed actress and entrepreneur dedicated to children’s health, mental wellness, and family support. Beyond her film career, she advocates for survivors of domestic violence and youth in crisis. Mendes partners with organizations to provide safe housing, counseling, and creative outlets for underserved families. Her philanthropy emphasizes healing and empowerment, encouraging young women to pursue their dreams and helping communities access the care and resources they need to thrive.
Bobby Kimbrough
Sheriff, Forsyth County
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office protects life and property, upholds justice, and builds trust through community partnerships. Its work spans crime prevention, detention, school resource programs, and public outreach. A former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr.—the first African American elected sheriff in Forsyth County— understands the devastating impact of opioids in our community. His leadership champions transparency, youth engagement, innovation, and community-centered policing to foster safer, healthier neighborhoods.
Cheryl Wilson
Founder, A Voice for Jared
Cheryl Wilson founded A Voice for Jared after her son Jared’s tragic death from fentanyl in 2020. The nonprofit works to prevent overdose deaths, raise opioid awareness, and support grieving families. Through educational outreach, community events, and advocacy, the group empowers individuals to seek help and promotes harm reduction. Cheryl’s mission transforms grief into action, building safer, healthier communities and ensuring Jared’s legacy saves lives through hope, education, and compassion.
Christy Respess
President & CEO, YWCA of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County
Christy Respess has led the YWCA for 13 years, following service on its board. She champions the mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity. The YWCA provides racial and gender equity initiatives, childcare, health and wellness, and economic empowerment programs. Through education, advocacy, and direct services, it strengthens communities and supports women and families across Forsyth County, driving systemic change toward a more just and inclusive future.
Virginia Hardesty & Ashley Armstrong
Co-Owners, Forsyth Seafood Market & Café
Virginia Hardesty & Ashley Armstrong co-own Forsyth Seafood Market & Café, a beloved Winston-Salem landmark founded by the late Charlie Hardesty. For decades, it has served as both a seafood market and a community gathering place. Known for fresh seafood, homestyle meals, and hospitality, Forsyth Seafood fuels local culture, family traditions, and economic vitality, sustaining its founder’s legacy while mentoring youth, supporting local vendors, and hosting events that strengthen neighborhood ties and community pride.
Brian Anthony & Alvin Atkinson
General Manager & Host, WSNC 90.5 FM
Brian Anthony leads WSNC 90.5 FM, championing local voices, cultural programming, and equitable access to information. Under his guidance, WSNC partners with nonprofits, schools, and civic leaders to amplify health, arts, and education resources. Alvin Atkinson hosts the station’s Empowering You – Save A Life Series, spotlighting mental health, opioid awareness, and community wellness. Together, they connect residents with life-changing resources, inspire civic dialogue, and strengthen neighborhoods across Forsyth County.
Robert Egleston
Executive Director, Twin City Development Foundation
Robert Egleston leads the Twin City Development Foundation, advancing economic growth, innovation, and quality of life in Winston-Salem. Formerly Executive Director of Leadership Winston-Salem, he fostered civic-minded leaders and collaborative community networks. Egleston also serves on the board of Creative Corridors, which champions transformative public projects—such as honoring early Black entrepreneur Peter Oliver of Old Salem—that blend art, history, and infrastructure to celebrate heritage and build an inclusive future.
Tennis Legend & Health Advocate
Serena Williams is a global tennis icon and outspoken maternal health advocate. After experiencing lifethreatening childbirth complications, she champions equitable healthcare for women, especially women of color. Through her foundation and ventures, she funds youth education, wellness, and economic empowerment programs. Serena inspires communities worldwide to embrace active living and resilience, using her voice to challenge disparities and expand access to quality healthcare, mentorship, and opportunity for women and girls everywhere.
Trey Mayo Fire Chief, Winston-Salem Fire Department
Trey Mayo leads the Winston-Salem Fire Department (WSFD), overseeing fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue services, and community risk reduction for the city’s residents. A veteran firefighter with decades of service, he has championed firefighter health, modernized equipment, and expanded community fire safety education. Under his leadership, WSFD emphasizes prevention, rapid response, and public engagement, strengthening resilience and building trust while protecting lives, property, and the well-being of Winston-Salem.
Serena Williams
Eva Mendes
Naloxone (also known as Narcan)
Vending machine at Forsyth County Detention Center (lobby): 201 N. Church Street
Forsyth County Public Health Pharmacy: 725 N Highland Avenue Annex 1
Forsyth County Substance Use Health Educator: 336-486-0103 (Call or Text)
Twin City Harm Reduction Collective: 639 S. Green Street 336-529-4492
1 Blue Cross NC Brand Tracking; Ipsos; July 2022.
2 Blue Cross NC Provider Internal Data; percentages indicated represent Blue Cross NC’s PPO Network as of July 28, 2022.
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