In a groundbreaking collaboration bridging the worlds of music and public health, Zephyrus Arts Institute’s Drum & Bugle Corps’ drumline, was featured in a public service announcement promoting the life-saving medicine Naloxone. This PSA by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) highlights the power of community and the arts to communicate vital messages surrounding harm reduction.
Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medication that has been pivotal in saving lives amidst the opioid epidemic. Since 2021, ODMHSAS has provided 327,096 Naloxone doses to Oklahomans. By showcasing the drumline’s talent and passion, this promotion aims to raise awareness about how an overdose affects the body and encourage Oklahomans to keep Naloxone nearby to prevent opioid overdose fatalities.
According to the CDC, accidental overdose is the leading cause of death in the United States, for those 18 – 50 years old. Read more about ODMHSAS’ Naloxone program through this link.
"Over 300,000 Oklahomans report experiencing substance use disorder,” said ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges. “We lost nearly 1,000 Oklahomans due to accidental overdose and those deaths are completely preventable. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.”
The precision and synchronization of the drummers are truly impressive, creating a powerful and unified sound. The choreography and movements of the drumline members add a visually captivating element to the informational promotion, enhancing the overall experience. 15 of the drummers were 2023 Drum & Bugle Corps members, three were staff members, and one was a guest performer. Many of the drummers are Oklahoma teenagers who volunteered their time and talent to help spread the word about Naloxone.
“The whole Zephyrus team was so excited to be a part of this shoot! Not only did it help raise tuition funds for the performers involved, but the kids were also thrilled to get experience on a set with a large production,” said Aaron J. Morton, Executive Director of Zephyrus Arts Institute. “We’re so glad that all of the hard work everyone put in is going towards a project with such a positive impact.”
The promotion can be viewed here.
ODMHSAS and Zephyrus Arts Institute invite the community to support this initiative by spreading the message of Naloxone awareness and harm reduction. Anyone can order free Naloxone by visiting okimready.org and there is a list of vending machines that supply the medicine throughout Oklahoma.
