End Overdose, a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing drug-related overdose deaths, has announced a new partnership with the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Through this collaboration, NIVA’s member venues will receive quarterly opioid overdose response training and access to free naloxone and fentanyl test strips. These tools are designed to equip venue staff with the resources needed to respond effectively in emergency situations and help save lives.
The initiative includes a streamlined order form created by End Overdose, allowing venues to easily request naloxone, a proven overdose-reversal medication, and fentanyl test strips, which detect the presence of the potent opioid in substances. End Overdose founder and CEO Theo Krzywicki emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that their national certification program is available both online and in person. “The independent venue ecosystem is vital to the health of live entertainment across the country, making this partnership a perfect fit to ensure lifesaving tools are available where they’re needed most,” Krzywicki said.
NIVA represents a wide range of independent venues, including comedy clubs, performing arts centers, and dinner theaters, all of which host millions of attendees annually. The partnership officially launches this week, with End Overdose beginning staff training across the network. “Live shows are built on connection, and connection means looking out for one another,” said NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker. “Their generosity and commitment to our live community will save lives.”