Youth-led initiative · Vermilion County, Illinois

Students putting Narcan and health access where it's needed most.

STEM-med is a student-run initiative working to fight the opioid crisis in Vermilion County by getting naloxone (Narcan) into the community and teaching people how to use it.

About us

Built by students, for our community.

STEM-med was founded by Roman Baptiste to expand access to healthcare and STEM education in underserved communities, starting at home in Vermilion County.

We're in our early stages, and we're building the right way: working with local public health, learning from people in the field, and recruiting students who want to make a real difference. Our first focus is the opioid crisis.

What we do

Our initiatives

01

Narcan distribution

Getting naloxone nasal spray into shelters, community spaces, and the hands of people who might be first on the scene of an overdose.

02

Community education

Teaching people how to recognize an overdose and respond, and running a social media campaign so more people know what they can do.

03

Fentanyl test strips

Working toward providing test strips to people in underserved areas to help prevent overdoses before they happen.

Read about our Rural Healthcare Initiative

Why it matters

Anyone can save a life with Narcan.

No prescription needed

Naloxone nasal spray has been FDA-approved for over-the-counter sale since 2023.

Fast and simple

It's a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. No medical training required.

Safe to use

Naloxone has no effect on someone who doesn't have opioids in their system, so it's safe to give if you're unsure.

Get involved

We need student power.

Everyone is welcome, whether you're a student, parent, or healthcare worker. Become a member to stay connected and help where you can, or step up as one of our first officers.

Schools, organizations, and health professionals: we'd love to partner. Reach us at stemmedproject@gmail.com.

Research Coming soon

Youth-led research projects advancing science and medicine in underserved areas.

STEM-med Stories New

Our newsletter: interviews and updates from the people making an impact in Vermilion County. Read the stories