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Change Through Action: Gigi Montgomery’s effort to end overdose changes lives

A student collapsed to the floor at a concert and immediately received Naloxone nasal spray, saving their life. Gigi Montgomery, a third-year undergrad at the University of Colorado, Boulder administered the dose, staying with them until the paramedics arrived.

Luckily, the victim was accompanied by the End Overdose president.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the U.S., about 200 deaths daily are due to synthetic opioid overdoses, the leading cause of death for adults age 18 to 45. End Overdose aims to decrease that number through medical intervention, public awareness, and education.

The End Overdose club is one of the nonprofit’s over 50 chapters across the country. Since joining, Montgomery has educated thousands of community members, equipping them with the resources to save lives.

Originally from Denver, Montgomery experienced the loss of multiple friends to overdose through high school and into college. Now a 20 year old strategic communications major, Montgomery leads as the club’s president.

“Losing people made me want to be the change and prevent others from going through

that,” she said.

As a freshman at CU Boulder, Montgomery had never heard of End Overdose until winning a giveaway they hosted on Instagram.

Contributing to change, Montgomery presents training to groups such as organizations, classrooms, festivals, outside the barber shop, and to anyone who will listen. She plans to present to her ‘Drugs In U.S. Society’ class in December.

The organization fights the common notion that their work glorifies addiction by bringing attention to it. They emphasize overdose can impact anyone from an elder overestimating their medication dose to a child who grabs something off the street.

“We’re not for or against it. We’re very neutral,” Montgomery said. “We just don’t want people to die.”

At numerous events, people have approached with stories of saving their friend’s life using Naloxone, reassuring Montgomery of her impact.

Her presidency accompanies involvement in the Up&Up club and part-time serving and bartending on her list of responsibilities. Youngest on the executive board, she acts as a liaison between the nonprofit’s headquarters and her chapter, among other work. Her passion runs so strong that finding time for school can be difficult.

Montgomery’s effort does not go unnoticed. Mia Ramundo, third year director of public relations for the club, met Gigi through their vice president. The two became fast friends.

“Gigi is like superwoman,” Ramundo said. “That girl has so much on her plate and

handles it like a boss.”

Ramundo became involved through fascination in a presentation to her sorority, a success story in of itself, leading her to later take the executive position. She works alongside Montgomery in admiration.

“She’s so self-sufficient. She loves what she does and she loves being president,” Ramundo said. “It’s her driving force that keeps her going.”

Besides their campus advisor and headquarters, Montgomery oversees the entire team. All ideas and fundraisers are run through her, she carries out anyone’s job that’s incomplete by the end of the day, and has the final say.

Her mother, Alice Bauer, highly admires Montgomery’s involvement, despite the sacrifices she must make to fulfill her role.

“I think she probably could use more things in her life that are just for her, you know, quiet down time to create the balance,” Bauer said.

When she does get time to herself, good music and a hike are all Montgomery needs. She keeps Naloxone with her at all times, knowing it could be the difference between life and loss any day. Death rates lower as awareness of overdose’s many forms increases.

“You really never know when you’ll see it happen,” Montgomery said. “I’m prepared every single day of my life.”