Angie Duncan never set out to be called “the Narcan lady.” The title came after years of heartbreak, advocacy, and determination to spare others from the loss she endured.
Her oldest son, Drew, died from an accidental overdose in 2018 at the age of 23. For a long time, Duncan said she could barely function through the grief. But eventually, she found purpose in turning her tragedy into action.
“I wanted to change the narrative for other families,” Duncan said. “Every one of those numbers you see in overdose data is someone’s loved one. Their loss affects an entire network of people left behind.”
In Drew’s memory, she founded Texas Panhandle Overdose Awareness in 2023, distributing free Narcan through “no-shame pickup spots” across the region. Since then, at least 18 lives have been reported saved through the program.
On Saturday, Aug. 23, Duncan will take that mission a step further with the first annual Texas Panhandle Overdose Awareness Day, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. at Sam Houston Park.
The event will combine remembrance, education and live entertainment. At 5 p.m., the Amarillo band Terror Tower will open the evening, followed by guest speaker Shawn Daniel at 5:55 p.m. Daniel, a recovery advocate who has been revived with Narcan, now shares his story through public speaking and a podcast.
Dozens of community groups will also be present to provide treatment and recovery information.
Music will continue with Heath Seager at 7 p.m., and the Turnkey Tyrants will take the stage at 8 p.m. The program will conclude at 8:45 p.m. with a reading of names and a moment of silence honoring those lost to overdose.
Families can also bring photos of loved ones to display on a memorial board throughout the evening.
The message, Duncan said, is simple: “Honor the dead. Fight like hell for the living. Carry Narcan.”
Fighting stigma, saving lives
Narcan — the opioid overdose reversal medication — has become central to Duncan’s work. Though it is now available over the counter at pharmacies, the price tag of about $50 can put it out of reach. Through grants, her group ensures the medication remains free to anyone who needs it.
Duncan said reducing stigma is just as important as increasing access. She remembers one mother who admitted she had never told anyone how her child died until the nonprofit gave her the courage to share.
“That’s what this is about,” Duncan said. “Breaking the silence and giving families the freedom to grieve without shame.”
A community effort
The Aug. 23 event is being organized with support from Andrea’s Project, led by executive director Dr. Shanna James. Like Duncan, James was moved by her own loss and wanted to bring overdose awareness to Amarillo after attending a remembrance ceremony in Louisiana.
She emphasized the importance of both preparation and education. “I’ve had to use Narcan myself more than half a dozen times,” she said. “You don’t have to be medical to carry it. You just have to be prepared.”
James said the event is about more than honoring lives lost — it’s also about equipping the community. “We have to remember that every number is someone’s child, someone’s parent,” she said. “This event gives families a space to remember their loved ones while connecting others to resources that might save a life.”
She added that personal stories can be just as powerful as statistics in changing perceptions. “The data matters, but behind every statistic is a person with a family and a story,” James said. “When people hear those stories, it changes how they think about addiction and how willing they are to support solutions.”
Carrying Drew’s legacy forward
For Duncan, the work is deeply personal. Drew began struggling with addiction in high school and spent years trying to overcome it.
“Addiction is a disease — it’s not a weakness,” she said. “He fought it until the day he died.”
By telling Drew’s story, Duncan hopes to prevent others from making the same fatal mistake.
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate,” Duncan said. “That’s why everyone should carry Narcan. It’s harm reduction, no different than seat belts or fire extinguishers. It gives people another chance.”
As Amarillo gathers on Aug. 23, Duncan said she hopes the evening serves as both a memorial and a rallying point — a chance to comfort grieving families, equip the community, and remind people that even one life saved can make all the difference.
“Knowledge is power,” she said. “And if this event helps just one family keep their loved one alive, then Drew’s story will continue to matter.”
Community members can submit names and photos for the memorial at texaspanhandleoverdoseawareness.org or through the Texas Panhandle Overdose Awareness Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo to host first Panhandle Overdose Awareness Day
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
