A personal tragedy and a strong desire to confront the opioid crisis—particularly the risks associated with fentanyl—led to the founding of LIVEGY in 2023. The concept came about as a result of Peter’s experiences using prescription drugs after an injury. It was also impacted by the untimely passing of his older half-brother, Brian, who died from fentanyl poisoning. As Peter researched opioids for his college thesis and contrasted American and European policies, his interest in the subject grew. After Brian passed away, his mother Cynthia also became involved, converting their mutual sorrow and concerns into a mission.
Peter explains that fentanyl’s widespread use and dangerous nature stem from its extreme potency.
“A small amount can cause a significant effect or even a fatal overdose. This high potency makes it easy to smuggle and distribute, as it requires only a small, easily concealed quantity. The production of fentanyl is also relatively straightforward, requiring only basic chemistry knowledge and precursor chemicals, which are readily available. These factors make it cheap to produce and highly profitable for dealers”, stated Peter.
Fentanyl is often distributed as fake pills, which are easier and cheaper to produce than authentic drugs. Dealers take advantage of this by producing fake pills that look and feel like prescription drugs, such as Adderall or Perk 30s, but they don’t actually contain any true therapeutic ingredients.
“The U.S. is especially vulnerable to the threat of fake pills because of our pill-taking culture, where medication is often seen as the go-to solution for various ailments. This mindset is prevalent among young people, particularly high school and college students, who may mistakenly believe that pills are a safer option. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this issue, contributing to a sharp increase in drug use among teenagers, particularly with marijuana and prescription pills,” Peter Pursley noted.
Cynthia highlights the serious effects that phony medications have on overdose and addiction rates. Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. These pills are addictive, even after a few uses. Rising overdose rates are a result of the variability in fentanyl’s potency, which raises the risk of overdosing even more.
The two main tactics Peter and Cynthia’s group employs to address this escalating epidemic are making Narcan available and educating people on how to utilize it. To make sure Narcan is visible and accessible in an emergency, they have developed wall dispensers that can be placed in key locations.
They also hold training classes to equip individuals with the skills necessary to respond to overdoses and save lives by teaching them how to use Narcan safely. Their initiatives have received a resoundingly positive reaction. From the Livegy sessions, participates are grateful that they know where to get Narcan and how to use it. Narcan has been used successfully in crises on multiple occasions, especially in nightclubs and fraternities. According to Cynthia, their distribution strategy focuses on places where overdoses are more likely to happen, such as pubs, nightclubs, and college fraternities and sororities. Livegy also collaborates with recovery centers to ensure that individuals leaving these programs are equipped with Narcan and are knowledgeable about its use, preparing them to handle potential overdoses in their environments.
LIVEGY has established strong partnerships with various community groups to effectively distribute Narcan and educate the public on its use. One key collaborator is the Texas PTA, which has been instrumental in helping distribute Narcan and creating educational videos. They have also joined forces with Rotary Clubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and other nonprofits that focus on supporting young families. These partnerships are crucial in expanding their reach and ensuring that more people are equipped to handle overdose situations.
The organization identifies high-need areas for Narcan distribution primarily through word of mouth and community referrals. Peter explains that after training a particular bar, they often receive suggestions for other locations that have experienced recent overdoses. “Lacking detailed data on overdoses by zip code, we adopt a hands-on approach, going door to door and engaging directly with communities to maximize their impact”, stated Peter.
To ensure Narcan is easily accessible and visible, Livegy has designed wall modules made from recycled paper, strategically placing them in schools, recovery centers, bars, and nightclubs. This approach not only makes Narcan available in emergencies but also raises awareness about its importance. Cynthia notes that education on how to use Narcan is a key component of their strategy, ensuring that people are prepared to respond effectively to overdoses. She also highlights instances where Narcan was successfully used in emergencies, particularly in fraternities and nightclubs, affirming that their efforts are indeed making a significant difference.
Livegy’s first major community event, the Band Crawl Against Fentanyl, was a notable success, bringing together local businesses, nonprofits, and the public to raise awareness and funds. Peter recalls that the event, supported by local businesses and organizations like Texas Against Fentanyl (TXAF), exceeded their expectations. The event not only focused on combating fentanyl but also provided a platform for other nonprofits to share their resources and messages, contributing to a supportive and informed community environment.
Peter and Cynthia Pursley have been actively engaging with elected officials to raise awareness and push for better policies around the fentanyl crisis. Cynthia explains that their nonprofit, while non-political, works across party lines because “this issue affects everyone.” They have participated in key meetings, including those with Senator Cornyn’s round table and the Dallas City Council’s fentanyl task force. These efforts are complemented by support for initiatives like TXAF in Austin, which advocates for proactive measures such as mandatory notifications to staff and parents when an overdose occurs on a school campus.
Peter reflects on the challenges of working within the political system, noting that “while there has been some progress, government responses often seem slow and burdened by bureaucracy”. He observes that, although the distribution of Narcan has improved recently, there is still room for more agile and efficient action. He highlights how crucial it is that legislators pay attention to charities like Livegy, which have direct access to the people and may offer insightful information.
“Although people are lucky to have a say in politics”, Cynthia continues, “navigating the workings of government can be difficult. Since many individuals are still unaware of the risks associated with fentanyl, the significance of educating the public about it is key”. She believes that with increased political involvement and support, their efforts on the ground could save many more lives.
The Pursleys are preparing for a number of important occasions and projects in the near future. They are thrilled to be a part of the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, where they will have the chance to inform people about the fentanyl issue and hand out Narcan. They are also gearing up for the autumn semester of college, with a particular emphasis on outreach to high schools, restaurants, and pubs, especially in growing locations like Fort Worth. Cynthia highlights their ongoing efforts to offer training, both in-person and virtual, to ensure as many people as possible are equipped to handle overdoses. Their next band crawl in the spring 2025 will build on the success of this year’s.
