Combatting Overdose with TACO Inc.

Combatting Overdose with TACO Inc.

Picture a college campus where students are armed not just with textbooks, but with life-saving knowledge about drug safety. That's the vision of Isabella Gianatiempo and Madeline Hilliard, the dynamic duo behind Team Awareness Combatting Overdose (TACO) Inc. In this episode of 'Henry's Uncle', they share their compelling journey from personal tragedy to founding a non-profit that champions non-judgmental education on drug interactions and safety.

Isabella and Madeline's mission began at the University of Southern California, where they recognized a glaring need for honest, science-backed conversations about drugs. Their approach is simple yet revolutionary: provide students with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions, without the stigma or fear often associated with drug education. From distributing Fentanyl test strips to offering Narcan training, TACO Inc. is all about proactive measures that can save lives. But what sets TACO Inc.

apart is their commitment to peer-to-peer education. They believe that students are more likely to listen to and learn from their peers. By fostering an environment of trust and understanding, they aim to dismantle the barriers that prevent open discussions about drug use and its risks. Isabella and Madeline also touch on the 'chocolate chip cookie effect', a term they use to describe the unpredictable distribution of substances in homemade drugs.

By educating users on how to properly test and dilute their substances, TACO Inc. provides practical advice that can prevent accidental overdoses. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in harm reduction and drug safety. Isabella and Madeline's passion is palpable, and their work is making a tangible difference on campuses and beyond. Tune in to hear how they're changing the narrative around drug use, one conversation at a time.