Roberta’s House Narcan Training Empowers Volunteers Amid Opioid Crisis By Kelli R. Brooks, Volunteer Coordinator, Roberta’s House
BALTIMORE — As Baltimore continues to battle the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, Roberta’s House is stepping up with critical training and community education. On June 24, 2025, the organization hosted a hybrid-format Narcan (naloxone) training for 24 dedicated volunteers—equipping them with the knowledge and skills to respond to opioid overdoses and potentially save lives.
Led by Roberta’s House Vice President Dr. Gregory W. Branch, the training offered instruction on how to recognize the signs of an overdose, administer naloxone correctly, provide rescue breathing, and ensure proper aftercare until emergency responders arrive.
“This training isn’t just about responding to a crisis—it’s about building community capacity to care,” said Dr. Branch. “Every person we train becomes a lifeline. Every reversal is a second chance at life.”
The training is part of Roberta’s House’s broader response to the opioid crisis, made possible through a $1 million opioid restitution grant from the Baltimore City Health Department. The funding supports the organization’s HOPELine Program, which provides trauma-informed outreach, grief support, and recovery navigation to individuals and families impacted by substance use.
For many attendees, the training marked their first exposure to overdose response education. Participants left with not only practical skills but a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to act in emergency situations. One volunteer shared, “I used to think overdoses were something that happened to other people. Now I know I can be the one to help someone breathe again.”
Roberta’s House has long served as a trusted resource in Baltimore’s Black and Brown communities—communities that have been disproportionately impacted by both the opioid crisis and the stigma surrounding addiction. The organization’s approach centers healing, education, and equity, offering culturally responsive support to those facing grief and trauma.
“One of the most meaningful parts of our Volunteer Program is the ongoing education we provide,” said Kelli R. Brooks, Volunteer Coordinator. “From grief support to public health initiatives like Narcan training, our volunteers gain the tools to be informed, empowered, and impactful. This training is just one of many ways we invest in those who give their time to help others heal.”
With continued funding, Roberta’s House plans to expand volunteer trainings, distribute Narcan kits through community partners, and deepen its outreach through the HOPELine Program. These efforts are part of a citywide commitment to address overdose, reduce stigma, and restore hope.
To learn more about volunteering at Roberta’s House and to get involved in programs like this, visit https://robertashouse.org/volunteer.
Dr. Gregory W. Branch is Vice President of Roberta’s House and a leader in public health and community-based healing. For information about upcoming Narcan trainings or the HOPELine Program, visit www.robertashouse.org or call (410) 339-2165.
Kelli R. Brooks is the Volunteer Coordinator at Roberta’s House. For more information about Narcan training or the HOPELine Program, visit www.robertashouse.org or call (410) 339-2165.
