CareSource Participates in West Virginia’s Save a Life Day

On September 8, 2022, CareSource employees participated in the third annual Save a Life Day. All 55 West Virginia counties joined together to host the largest day of free naloxone (Narcan) distribution in the state.

Nearly 20 CareSource staff assisted individuals with completing forms, handing out brochures and providing naloxone training. CareSource also provided a $5,000 sponsorship to support community education on naloxone’s life-saving role in fighting overdoses.

“CareSource believes managed care plans need to play a key role in fighting the opioid epidemic,” said Mike Taylor, Kentucky and West Virginia markets president at CareSource. “We are proud to partner with so many organizations across The Mountain State who are making an impact not just during Save a Life Day but all year round.”

Director of Clinical Operations of CareSource West Virginia Sherry Sphehr reflected on her experience as a volunteer. 

"Personally, I found the event to be humbling and rewarding. I enjoyed connecting with members of the community and feel blessed to have taken part in the Save a Life Day event. I spent much of my drive back home reflecting on the many stories from the day – some hopeful but many of which were heartbreaking. It provided just a glimpse of the needs and hardships which many face."

West Virginia lost an average of two family members to fatal overdoses each day in 2021, down from over three lives lost a day on average in 2020. This improvement is due in part to the expansion of free naloxone programs including Save a Life Day events, which started in 2020.