How one student's grief turned into a life-saving school movement

A student-led initiative at Dunwoody High School has made a life-saving difference. After a classmate’s death from fentanyl, Mady Cohen took action to prevent further tragedies. Her work has since grown into broader efforts to support students and parents across the community. The project began when Cohen, deeply affected by the loss, researched fentanyl and Narcan—a drug that reverses opioid overdoses. She then proposed placing 120 Narcan kits around the school and personally funded their installation.

Her campaign didn’t stop there. Cohen founded a student club to teach peers about fentanyl risks and proper Narcan use. The school also introduced regular training for teachers on spotting and treating overdoses. Thanks to these measures, another student’s life was saved when Narcan was used during an emergency. Cohen’s leadership inspired the creation of Dunwoody Strong, a volunteer group offering guidance to students and parents. The organisation now runs educational programmes on issues affecting young people. Additionally, it raised funds to install phone storage boxes in classrooms, helping students stay focused during lessons.

The initiative has had a measurable impact on safety and awareness at Dunwoody High. Narcan kits are now widely available, and staff are better prepared to respond to overdoses. Cohen’s work has also fostered personal growth, giving her greater confidence while leaving a lasting mark on her school community.