The Royal Rose Foundation (RRF) is a nonprofit educating and raising awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and the life-saving knowledge and resources to navigate drug use in our communities.
The nonprofit was started by MJ Jackson after her mother, Sheres Isom, died of an accidental drug overdose when she took a pill given to her by someone she knew.
“No one is immune from fentanyl poisoning,” Jackson said. “Never in a million years would I have thought my mom would die of an overdose, but one pill can kill and it can happen to anyone.”
In a recent RRF workshop, Jackson was joined by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Portland Police Bureau to provide education on the use of Narcan, efforts to stop illicit drug use in Portland, and more. During the workshop, attendees were trained in the use of Narcan (naloxone), a critical medication in reversing opioid overdoses available over the counter at most pharmacies. Additionally, they were provided with free Narcan kits and received gift cards as tokens of appreciation for their participation.
These workshops – made possible by a grant from the Office of Community & Civic Life – have provided overdose prevention education and resources to more than 150 attendees. In addition to workshops, RRF also puts on their Community Cares events where they give out Narcan to anyone who wants it and care packages with basic necessities to those in need.
Some attendees shared poignant stories during the Fentanyl Awareness and Narcan Workshop. Their willingness to open up about how the crisis is affecting them showcased the workshop's effectiveness in creating a safe and supportive environment for discussion and learning.
“The more people we have informed and trained, the more lives we can save,” said Jackson.
RRF’s next workshop is in planning for June, with the full details to come. Check their calendar!