O.A.K. Memorial Installation Guide

Honoring Your Loved One • Saving Lives • Loving Through Action

Losing someone to overdose or fentanyl poisoning is a grief that changes everything. This guide was created to support you, your family, and your community as you explore a meaningful way to honor your loved one: installing an Overdose Aid Kit (O.A.K.) in their memory. Developed from lived experience, community wisdom, and the materials provided by Start Healing Now (SHN), this guide is here to gently walk with you through every step.

What Is an O.A.K.?

An Overdose Aid Kit (O.A.K.) is a public, life‑saving station that provides:

Free NARCAN® (naloxone)
Fentanyl testing strips
CPR breathing barrier
Step‑by‑step overdose-response instructions
Local harm‑reduction and recovery resources

Each O.A.K. helps prevent overdose deaths and creates safer, more connected communities.

Why Families Choose O.A.K.s

Every family’s grief is different, but many find comfort in knowing that their loved one’s story can protect others. Installing an O.A.K.:

Creates a lasting, meaningful memorial
Reduces stigma surrounding substance use and overdose
Helps prevent future tragedies
Builds community awareness and connection
Offers a healing, action‑oriented outlet during grief

You are not just installing a box—you are carrying forward your loved one’s light.

How Start Healing Now (SHN) Supports You

SHN is an all-volunteer Wisconsin nonprofit founded and run by people with lived experience—people who have lost loved ones, people in recovery, and people committed to preventing further loss.

SHN will support you through:

Planning and coordination
Fundraising tools and templates
Location outreach scripts
Installation and placement
Ongoing resupply and support

You are never alone in this process.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Creating a Memorial O.A.K.

STEP 1: Connect With SHN

Contact shndirect@gmail.com to begin. SHN will walk you through timelines, fundraising options, location ideas, and memorial details.

STEP 2: Share Your “Why”

Your story is powerful. People respond when they understand:

Who you’re honoring
Why overdose prevention matters to you
What installing an O.A.K. will mean for your community

Sample language:

“We lost [Name] to an overdose/fentanyl poisoning in [Year]. One of the most powerful things we can do with loss is prevent it from spreading. In their memory, we’re raising funds to install an Overdose Aid Kit (O.A.K.) in [Community/Location] to give others a second chance at life.”

STEP 3: Fundraise for the O.A.K.

Families commonly raise funds through:

Online donations (starthealingnow.org/donate)
GoFundMe or Facebook Fundraisers
Memorial gatherings or vigils
Faith communities or local organizations
Employer or business matching gifts

SHN provides message templates, social media posts, and a sample fundraising email.

STEP 4: Choose a Location

Ideal O.A.K. locations include:

Schools and universities
Local businesses
Libraries
Parks and community centers
Faith centers
Treatment centers or sober living homes

SHN will guide you in outreach and handle all installation logistics at no cost to the host site.

STEP 5: Installation & Ongoing Support

Once a location approves, SHN coordinates:

Installation at no cost
Training staff or community members on overdose response
Ongoing restocking of NARCAN® and materials
Maintaining communication with the host site

Your loved one’s name can be included.

Communication Templates for Families

FUNDRAISING EMAIL

Subject: Help us save lives in memory of [Name]

Hi [Name],

As many of you know, we lost [Name] in [Year]. To honor their memory and prevent other families from facing this heartbreak, we are raising funds to install an Overdose Aid Kit (O.A.K.) in [Location]. Each kit provides free NARCAN®, education, and life‑saving resources.

If you are able, please donate here: https://starthealingnow.org/donate/

With gratitude, [Your Name]

SOCIAL MEDIA POST

In loving memory of [Name] ❤️

We’re partnering with Start Healing Now to install an Overdose Aid Kit (O.A.K.) in [Location]. This kit will offer free NARCAN® and overdose‑prevention tools—giving others a second chance at life. Please help us honor [Name]: starthealingnow.org/donate

LOCATION REQUEST EMAIL

Subject: Request to Host an Overdose Aid Kit in Memory of [Name]

Dear [Contact Name],

We would like to sponsor an Overdose Aid Kit (O.A.K.) at [Location] in memory of [Name]. The O.A.K. provides free NARCAN® and overdose‑prevention education. Installation, supplies, and training are handled entirely by Start Healing Now at no cost to you. May we schedule a brief call?

With gratitude, [Your Name]

Healing Through Action

Choosing to memorialize your loved one through an O.A.K. is an act of courage, compassion, and community love. It ensures that their story ripples outward—protecting others, sparking connection, and giving second chances.

Your loved one mattered. Their life continues to make a difference.

For support or to begin the process:

Email: shndirect@gmail.com

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