‘A Selfless Hero’: West Palm Beach Hero Luis Garcia

WEST PALM BEACH, FL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Jose Alonso who nominated his coworker, Luis Garcia of West Palm Beach.

Local hero’s full name

Luis Garcia

Local hero’s home state

Florida

Local hero’s Patch

West Palm Beach

How do you know the local hero?

Coworker

What does the local hero do?

Google search: Luis Garcia, Narcan. He is a retired 28-year firefighter/paramedic buying and distributing lifesaving sprays across the USA. With 450 events held in (four) years, his 7,000 students have saved 350 human lives and (one) puppy.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

He has traveled to (Montana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arizona and California,) and driven to 48 of (Florida’s) 67 counties to hold Narcan community distribution (events). He has never tried drugs, been arrested or intoxicated, doesn't make money in this effort, hasn't lost anybody to addiction or work any 12-step program. He is a selfless hero!

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

His Florida 501c3 (nonprofit) called USA Opioid Crisis Mortality Reduction is essentially a one-man show. He devotes his time fulltime to this unpaid mission along with working a full-time job.

Thank you for all you do, Luis Garcia!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.