Committed to Service: Up Close and Personal with Laura Kandell 

The strength of OD Free Marin lives within the commitment of our committee members. OD Free Marin interviewed Laura Kandell, the Education & Outreach Action Team Co Chair, to hear more from someone who is committed to being of service.

From working in healthcare, then transitioning to social services, Laura has exhibited a deep passion and commitment for serving the community. Throughout the various roles she has held in her long-standing career dedicated to providing care, Laura has provided education and vital services in many forms – working as a teacher, nurse, and social worker. She was introduced to OD Free Marin through serving with the Marin Medical Reserve Corps, volunteering to provide education and outreach at a Sunday Farmers Market.

“Now as a volunteer/community member it feels like all those (experiences) things are coalescing. We do a lot of teaching with the Naloxone – and having the healthcare background helps me understand and formulate the way I do, so that it’s approachable for people, always with the goal of meeting people where they are at.”

Laura has even been known to distribute Naloxone kits to public spaces such as bars and restaurants. In one instance, Laura distributed naloxone to six bars in the San Anselmo/Fairfax area, offering boxes to bartenders to include it as a part of their safety kit.  All the bartenders were aware of naloxone and were happy to store the life-saving medication. Additionally, fellow patrons who overheard her offer went home with Naloxone as well! 

Co-chair as a culmination of her professional career and personal experiences, further seeking ways to take positive action, creating ripples of hope in our circles. Like many parents and families in Marin, Laura has felt the collective grief and impact of accidental poisoning/overdoses in our community. She continues to build hope by being a part of the dedicated community of helpers that make up the OD Free Marin coalition, viewing her time with OD Free Marin as an opportunity to impart change, motivated by the interconnectedness of our stories.