To: D.C. City Council Members, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and D.C. Department of Health (DOH)
Petition to Require Narcan (Naloxone) in All Venues and Clubs in Washington, D.C.
Hello,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Christina Setliff, and I am a 25-year-old business owner and community member in Washington, D.C. I’m writing to you today not only as a concerned citizen but also as someone who has experienced the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand.
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Christina Setliff, and I am a 25-year-old business owner and community member in Washington, D.C. I’m writing to you today not only as a concerned citizen but also as someone who has experienced the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand.
I have lost someone close to me to an opioid overdose, and I have known far too many others who have suffered similar losses. As the owner of XtinaDC, I work closely with the electronic music community and have seen the impact of this epidemic firsthand. I also work with nonprofits like End Overdose and Overdrive, both of which are dedicated to preventing overdose deaths and providing harm reduction tools.
While I am aware that many venues in D.C. already carry Narcan (naloxone) and have trained staff to administer it, there are still some that do not. The problem is not just about access—it’s about ensuring that every venue in our city is equipped to handle an opioid overdose when it happens. This is why I am urging you to support legislation requiring all venues and clubs in D.C. to carry Narcan and have staff trained to administer it in the event of an overdose.
Narcan is a life-saving tool that reverses opioid overdoses, and in an emergency, seconds count. In the electronic music and nightlife communities, where large crowds gather and where the risk of overdose is heightened, having Narcan available could save countless lives. Whether it’s a club, bar, or concert hall, these spaces should be required to have this life-saving measure, just like other major cities have implemented.
I have seen firsthand the devastation caused by the opioid epidemic in our community. It’s not just a public health issue; it’s deeply personal for me and for many others in D.C. Why does New York City have a law requiring Narcan in venues, but D.C. does not? The time has come for our city to lead on this issue, to take action and make Narcan a requirement in all public venues, ensuring that no one has to suffer a preventable death due to an overdose.
Although this may seem like a small step, requiring Narcan in all D.C. venues would show significant progression in our efforts to address the opioid crisis. It sends a message that our city is committed to prioritizing public health and safety, and it sets a precedent for further harm reduction measures. While no single action can solve the issue, this is an important piece of the puzzle that will help save lives and move us closer to a solution.
Although this may seem like a small step, requiring Narcan in all D.C. venues would show significant progression in our efforts to address the opioid crisis. It sends a message that our city is committed to prioritizing public health and safety, and it sets a precedent for further harm reduction measures. While no single action can solve the issue, this is an important piece of the puzzle that will help save lives and move us closer to a solution.
I ask that you consider sponsoring legislation to require Narcan in all venues and clubs in D.C. This action would not only save lives but would also make our city a leader in harm reduction and public safety. In the face of this crisis, we can do better—and we must.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be happy to discuss this proposal further and work together to create a safer environment for all D.C. residents and visitors. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Christina Setliff
Owner, XtinaDC
Christina Setliff
Owner, XtinaDC
Why is this important?
This issue is deeply personal for me, and I know it resonates with so many others in our community. Every day, people are dying from opioid overdoses in D.C., and these deaths are preventable. Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose if administered quickly. It takes only a few minutes to save someone’s life, yet too many people don’t have access to it when they need it most.
I've lost someone close to me to an overdose, and I know many others who have experienced the same heartbreak. I’ve seen how this epidemic has affected our community, and it’s devastating. We have an opportunity to protect people, especially in the spaces where they’re most vulnerable, like nightclubs and bars, by making sure Narcan is available.
Even though some venues already carry Narcan, not all do. The reality is that no one should have to wonder if help will be available when they need it. Requiring Narcan in every venue would ensure that everyone in D.C. is equipped to help save a life if an overdose occurs. This isn’t just about one person or one community—this is about protecting our city, our families, and our future.
Joining this campaign isn’t just about supporting a law; it’s about showing that we care. We care about each other’s well-being, about reducing the stigma around addiction, and about making sure no one is left without the chance to survive. We need everyone to stand together to demand that action be taken, so we can save lives and create a safer, more compassionate community for all.