Augusta University Secures Grants to Expand Overdose Prevention Efforts

Partnership with Open Arms Outreach aims to place lifesaving materials throughout downtown Augusta

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Augusta University has received two state grants totaling $66,000 to partner with Open Arms Outreach and place Narcan and drug test strips in 40 downtown businesses, 10 vape shops, and 25 buildings across its five campuses. The goal is to ensure no one is more than a few doors away from lifesaving help in the community, which has seen a rise in drug-related deaths.

Why it matters

The Augusta area has been hit hard by the opioid crisis, with the Richmond County Coroner's Office reporting 76 drug deaths in 2025, 37 of which were opioid-related. This initiative aims to normalize the act of helping someone who is overdosing and make it easier for community members to access potentially lifesaving resources.

The details

The grants will allow Augusta University to work with Open Arms Outreach, a local organization founded by someone who was revived with Narcan after an overdose. Together, they will place Narcan and drug test strips in 40 downtown businesses, 10 vape shops, and 25 buildings across Augusta University's five campuses. The goal is to ensure no one is more than a few doors away from these critical resources in a community that has struggled with rising drug-related deaths.

  • In 2025, the Richmond County Coroner's Office reported 76 drug deaths, with 37 related to opioids.
  • Augusta University and Open Arms Outreach recently had their first meeting to discuss next steps and reach out to businesses to start placing the boxes downtown.

The players

Nicoll Gentry

The co-founder of Open Arms Outreach, who has been sober for three years after someone used Narcan to save her life during an overdose.

Dr. Aaron Johnson

The director of the Institute of Public and Preventive Health at Augusta University, who said the Augusta area had a real need for something that would save a life immediately.

Open Arms Outreach

A local organization that provides resources without judgment for those battling drug addiction.

Augusta University

A university that is partnering with Open Arms Outreach to place lifesaving materials throughout downtown Augusta using a $66,000 grant from state opioid settlement money.

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What they’re saying

“I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Narcan.”

— Nicoll Gentry, Co-founder, Open Arms Outreach

“Public health by definition is community facing, and so we want to have a presence and a partnership with people throughout the community.”

— Dr. Aaron Johnson, Director, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University

What’s next

Augusta University and Open Arms Outreach plan to continue reaching out to businesses to start placing the Narcan and drug test strip boxes downtown.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the importance of making lifesaving resources readily available in communities heavily impacted by the opioid crisis. By partnering with a local organization and strategically placing these materials, Augusta University is taking proactive steps to save lives and support those struggling with addiction.