Okanagan Naloxone is a volunteer project in partnership with H.O.P.E. Outreach, with the aim to expand naloxone training and education to all residents of the Okanagan. We hope to reduce the stigma surrounding opioid use, and encourage all members of the public to get training regardless of whether they are at risk.
Ariel R Smith, B.Sc., M.D., Founder
Okanagan Naloxone was created by Ariel Smith, a first-year family medicine resident with UBC’s Family Medicine Program. Ariel is the current Vice President and Harm Reduction Coordinator of H.O.P.E. Outreach and saw that there was a need for free hands-on naloxone training for members of her community. As such, Okanagan Naloxone was created. H.O.P.E Outreach has a dedicated team of volunteers that walk the streets of Kelowna and Vernon at night distributing necessities such as clothes, toiletries, feminine hygiene, harm reduction, and naloxone kits. As a first-year resident studying to become a family physician, Ariel hopes to make naloxone training easy, free, and accessible for everyone who wants to learn. Outside of medicine, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and enjoying the beautiful Okanagan!
Jaelynn Graham, B.Sc, Naloxone Educator
Meet Jaelynn, one of our dedicated volunteers! After completing her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in 2019, Jaelynn began working full-time as a Medical Office Assistant at a family medicine clinic in Kelowna. Jaelynn is currently in the process of applying to medical school, with aspirations of pursuing a career as a physician. Outside of the office, Jaelynn keeps busy instructing Ukrainian dance, volunteering with the HOPE Outreach Crisis Phone Line, and enjoying hobbies such as skiing, hiking, and playing tennis!
Okanagan Naloxone does not accept any donations at this time. Donate to H.O.P.E. Outreach to support their outreach and naloxone teams.