SafeGuard Mississippi

02/27/2026

Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technology Center, thank you!

We had an incredible day at the Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technology Center, where more than 350 high school students participated in SafeGuard Mississippi’s overdose-prevention training across three class blocks!

These students showed real leadership, engaging with the content, asking sharp questions, and learning the practical steps that can save a life. Seeing this level of attention and readiness from so many young people in one day was powerful.

A huge thank-you to Chris Shackelford of Hometown Market & Pharmacy Calhoun City for leading all three sessions with clarity, energy, and a deep commitment to community safety. Your partnership helps equip hundreds of students with the tools and confidence they need.

02/27/2026

South Panola High School, thank you!

We were honored to partner with South Panola High School for a focused overdose-prevention training with school nurses, parents, students and School Resource Officers!

Equipping frontline school professionals with the knowledge and confidence to recognize and respond to an opioid emergency is one of the most impactful ways we can strengthen student safety across a district.

A sincere thank-you to Dr. Jennifer “Jenny” Sullivant of Panola Pharmacy, LLC for leading the training with professionalism and care, and to Lenora Morris, Chief of Student Services and Accreditation, for coordinating this important effort.

When schools invest in preparedness at the leadership and response level, it creates ripple effects that extend far beyond a single campus.

We’re grateful for the partnership and for South Panola’s commitment to protecting students and supporting staff with practical, lifesaving education!

02/27/2026

Oxford High School, thank you!

We had a great morning at Oxford High School on February 25, bringing SafeGuard Mississippi’s overdose-prevention training to students, teachers, and administrators!

A special thank-you to Dewansia Sutton, PharmD (Arcare - Mississippi) for leading the training with clarity, energy, and deep care for student safety. Your partnership makes such a difference across our Oxford community.

Thank you, Oxford High School and ArCare for your partnership and for creating space for this important work!

02/27/2026

We had a meaningful evening at Ripley Middle School bringing SafeGuard Mississippi’s overdose-prevention training to parents and middle school students in the school library on February 24!

This session created space for honest conversation, thoughtful questions, and practical learning, empowering families with the knowledge to recognize warning signs and respond confidently in an emergency.

We are grateful to Amanda J. Wilburn of Duncan's Pharmacy, Inc. for leading the presentation with clarity and care, and to Melanie Kincaid, Ripley Schools Nurse, for her partnership and commitment to student wellness.

Thank you, Ripley Middle School and Nurse Kincaid, for welcoming us and for prioritizing the safety of your students and families!

02/27/2026

We had a great afternoon with teachers, coaches, and students at Northpoint Christian School as part of SafeGuard Mississippi’s overdose-prevention training on February 11! We are espically grateful to the Northpoint Student Ambassadors who brought strong leadership and engagement to the session.

This group jumped right in, asking thoughtful questions, practicing with confidence, and showing a real commitment to keeping their school community safe and prepared.

A special thank-you to Bob Lomenick and the Tyson Drug Companyteam for leading today’s training. Your dedication to equipping Mississippi schools with lifesaving tools makes a profound impact.

Thank you, Northpoint, for welcoming us into your community!

02/27/2026

We had the privilege of spending the day with students and staff at Independence High School delivering SafeGuard Mississippi overdose-prevention training on Wednesday, February 11!

A big thank-you to this incredible school community for welcoming us and engaging so thoughtfully in these conversations!

And a special shoutout to Dr. Lauren S. Freeman, DPh, and Cheryl Sudduth of Funderburk's Pharmacyfor helping equip students with practical, lifesaving knowledge.

We’re grateful for the partnership and the chance to support your community!

12/12/2025

This week, we trained students at Thrasher High School, sharing practical information about fentanyl risks and what to do if someone needs help. About 75 students, grades 9–12, took part in the training.

We’re grateful to Amanda J. Wilburn and Duncan's Pharmacy, Inc. for leading the session. Having a local pharmacist in the room matters because students hear this information from someone they already trust in their own community.

Thank you to Principal Candice Johnson, Assistant Principal Brad Wren, and Career Coach April Pounders for welcoming us in and making space for this work. Schools know their students best, and we’re thankful for the way Thrasher continues to focus on readiness and student safety!

SafeGuard MS is a partnership between Mississippi schools, Mississippi pharmacists, and the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. Together, we’re making sure students have the knowledge and confidence to respond if a friend ever needs help.

11/24/2025

SafeGuard Mississippi is thrilled to welcome Lyda Stokes as our new Research Associate and the lead for the SafeGuard MS program in North Mississippi!

In her role, Lyda will direct overdose-prevention work across the region by leading the ex*****on of our SAMHSA-funded program, partnering with schools and community organizations to bring training directly to students, and supporting local pharmacists who deliver practical, lifesaving naloxone and fentanyl-awareness instruction.

Lyda brings deep experience in policy, education, and community-based program design. Her work is grounded in empowering people closest to the challenge and creating solutions that honor individual dignity and strengthen families from the bottom up.

Welcome to SafeGuard MS, Lyda! ❤️🤍💙

10/23/2025

Over the last few weeks, Dr. Fair Jones led great sessions for students at Grenada High School, and Dr. Michael Bullock led amazing sessions for students at Houston High School.

Thank you to the leadership at these schools for the opportunity.

10/03/2025

Dr. Amanda Wilburn led great sessions yesterday for the students at Walnut and Pine Grove Schools.

Thank you to the leadership at these schools for the opportunity.

09/30/2025

Dr. Chris Shackleford led a great session yesterday morning for the students at Calhoun City High School.

Thank you to the leadership at Calhoun City High School for the opportunity.

09/29/2025

We're a new Research Associate at the University of Mississippi. Apply today or share this post with your network.

- The Research Associate will be responsible for managing the overall project and leading the implementation and coordination of a SAMHSA-funded initiative focused on providing naloxone and fentanyl testing strip (FTS) training and distribution services in North Mississippi.

Research Associate