Sending Out an S.O.S.

Generation S.O.S. Visits Lynn University

By Lisset Guillen, Assistant Editor

On April 2, 2024, Generation S.O.S. discussed substance abuse with the Lynn community. 

Generation S.O.S. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young adults make life-saving choices concerning drug abuse and mental health struggles. In 2023, the organization reached 25,000 students in 48 public and private schools and colleges.  

“It [Generation S.O.S.] is a peer-to-peer organization in which we have young adults speak to other young adults,” said Jennifer Heller Wold, a board director. “We find it is much more effective to have someone close of age talk about their journey through drugs and alcohol. We aim to make stigma a thing of the past.” 

Guest speaker, Serena, shared her story about substance abuse and mental health challenges. Serena believes she can motivate students to make life-saving decisions. 

“I think my story can help save student’s lives by being open and honest,” said Serena. “In college, there was a lack of honesty and openness. There was secrecy and running from one chaotic situation to another. It’s important to open conversation and say you don’t have to be living that way.” 

At the event, fentanyl overdoses were discussed. According to the CDC, over 150 people die daily from synthetic opioid overdoses. Gen S.O.S. believes it is the war that America ignores. 

“People are afraid to talk about it,” said Wold. “Sadly, I have known young people who have died. One of them died recently from a fentanyl overdose. His father said he had died from a heart attack.” 

One of the organization’s goals is to make the program’s lifeline available to every school and student in the U.S. Robin Kiam Aviv believes they have already reached that mission. 

“It is already available,” said Aviv, Founder Board Chair. “It’s a question of them reaching out to us because we have boots on the ground all over the country, but we also have opportunities through our video library and podcast to provide these types of talks to schools whenever they want them. Everything we do is for free.” 

Attendees were receptive to Serena’s advice and enjoyed the event. 

“The best part was coming back to the speaker’s story,” said Dr. Sholondo Campbell, the dean of students. It reinforced the individuality within recovery.” 

If you or someone you know needs help on campus, please call Counseling Services at +1 561-237-7237.