Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellen McCormick.
Hi Kellen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After a direct family member was rescued from an accidental overdose with Naloxone Hydrochloride nasal spray or NARCAN®, I realized how crucial this emergency medication is for battling the deadliest drug crisis in our nation’s history. Naloxone neutralizes the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain and holds a large role in proven methods of harm reduction and death prevention.
Sadly, fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is upwards of 100x stronger than morphine, is now being found in a wide variety of illicit and recreational drugs. Countless deaths have resulted from the potency of fentanyl being mixed into heroin, cocaine, meth, and counterfeit prescription medications disguised as OxyContin, Xanax, Adderall, Percocet, and numerous others.
As the COVID-19 pandemic inconvenienced the work and social lives of many, there was a consequential surge in mental and behavioral health issues. Such distress has made more people susceptible to substance use disorders and has undoubtedly contributed to fentanyl becoming the leading cause of death for ages 18 to 45 here in the U.S.
My product and organization were created with the sole mission of increasing the accessibility and awareness of nasal naloxone hydrochloride, or NARCAN®. Our product is a universal silicone carrying case that can be attached to cellphones, lanyards, keychains, walls, cabinets, etc. By collaborating with first responders, harm reduction & overdose awareness groups, detox & rehab centers, along with other accessibility solution suppliers, such as NarKit™, we aim to aggregately reduce the number of fatal opioid overdoses.
The majority of overdose deaths are preventable, but time is of the essence in such emergency scenarios, and any one of us can be prepared and equipped to act fast until EMS personnel arrive. Ultimately, the more overdose victims that are rescued with naloxone, the more individuals there will be with a chance to recover from their struggles with Substance Use Disorder.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Thanks to the help of Rodrigo Lima and the Lime Design team in Hollywood, FL, the product development process was more smooth than we could’ve asked for. Before we knew it, our visions and drawings evolved into a marketable product capable of assisting with harm reduction and saving lives.
The most challenging aspect of our journey has been marketing our product under time and budget constraints, given that while simultaneously working day jobs, we have had to invest a lot of time and money for the project. However, we have always held a strong belief and passion for our cause, and insisted from the very beginning that if we can help save even just a single life with our efforts, then it will be entirely worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of Chance for Recovery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Chance for Recovery, we are aiming to aggregately reduce overdose deaths utilizing proven methods of harm reduction and prevention. Our primary focus is to increase accessibility and education surrounding NARCAN®, or nasal naloxone hydrochloride, which has effectively reversed opiate-associated deaths in ambulances and hospitals for 40+ years. Greater accessibility to this life-saving medication has been statistically shown to reduce overdose deaths and allow more individuals a chance for recovery & rehabilitation for substance use disorder.
Our mobile carrying case is unique in the fact that its “blister” design shows the shape of the nasal spray device, and when carrying/storing it on your phone, lanyard, keychain, walls, etc., it draws attention & questions, which in turn raises awareness and reduces stigma. By using zero-filler, FDA-certified silicone that is highly resistant to oxygen, ozone, sunlight, aging, weather, and extreme temperatures, there is also an added layer of protection for the medicine.
Furthermore, our product’s 3M-backing sticks to any surface (mobile phones, desks, lanyards, keychains, counters, cabinets, etc.), allowing for versatile mobility and thus, increased accessibility. To allow victims of an accidental overdose a chance at recovery and treatment programs, we must first ensure they stay alive.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as continually executing small goals that you’ve set for yourself, regardless of the obstacles and adversity that may arise, in order to achieve a larger mission in the long run. Such success requires you to always keep the bigger picture in mind while working through the tedious and less significant tasks you encounter along the way. Ultimately, I believe the greatest accomplishments and successes to be had in life are ones that help others and make a positive impact on humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ChanceForRecovery.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/chance4recovery
- Facebook: Facebook.com/chance4recovery
