Our Story
Overdose Lifeline has been on the front-lines of the opioid epidemic since 2014, helping individuals, families, and communities affected by the disease of addiction.
Overdose Lifeline Beginnings
Founded by Justin Phillips in 2014 after the death of her youngest son, Aaron, due to a heroin overdose, Overdose Lifeline is a statewide Indiana non-profit dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities affected by the disease of addiction/substance use disorder through advocacy, education, and support.
To carry the message of hope to individuals, families, and communities affected by the disease of addiction.
We envision a time when the disease of addiction does not carry a stigma but is provided the attention and care required of a chronic disease.
Overdose Lifeline is devoted to establishing and maintaining an environment where all people can come together while we work to equitably improve the lives and health of all within the state of Indiana and the U.S. via partner organizations. We address this in three core ways outlined herein.
By practicing a continual commitment to diversity and inclusion, Overdose Lifeline becomes a place where people with a variety of perspectives, life experiences, and social histories blend together for the enhancement of health within our reach.
- Interpersonal: We dedicate ourselves to creating and maintaining a culture of inclusivity that welcomes and values all people. The organization and each staff member will act to address, reduce, and where possible eliminate discrimination and bias.
- Institutional: We will continually act to ensure Overdose Lifeline is an inclusive, diverse and anti-discriminatory organization.
- Societal: The organization will establish and build meaningful partnerships to promote healthcare equity, eliminate healthcare disparities, and build more inclusive communities within the reach and scope of the organization.
I feel like we’re able to make a difference. We’re going to save lives. We’re going to stop people from having to experience what I have experienced.
It is who Aaron was – he would want to help people.
Justin Phillips
Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline