About the Addiction Epidemic
About SAFE Project
To overcome the addiction epidemic, it requires our collective action. SAFE Project works collaboratively to bring solutions to communities, campuses, workplaces, and active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. SAFE Project was founded in November 2017 by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld, following the loss of their 19-year old son Jonathan to an accidental opioid overdose.
SAFE Project Leadership & Contact Information
Read the Winnefelds’ Story
General questions or inquiries? Please fill out our contact form.
Member of the media? Please email: media@safeproject.us
Member of the media? Please email: media@safeproject.us
SAFE Project Name & Logo
When written in plain text, SAFE Project is always written with “SAFE” in capital letters, separated with a space from “Project”. There is no “the” in front of the full organizational name of “SAFE Project.” Our current logo is previewed below. For a high resolution version of our logo for publication or broadcast purposes, please contact: media@safeproject.us
SAFE Project In The News
The Hill: January 2024
Opioid settlement funds can help create and expand recovery housing
April 5, 2023
“I lost my son to fentanyl. Now my family is on the front lines of the opioid epidemic.“
March 31, 2023
“‘A great first step:’ SAFE Project applauds FDA approval of Narcan, says more work needed“
October 19, 2022
“Government agencies, community leaders, and activists join to combat fentanyl crisis“
October 4, 2022
“The complicated story behind the ‘Anonymous’ author of a young adult classic“
Baltimore Sun:
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September 23, 2022
“Carroll works to ‘Make Recovery the Epidemic’“
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September 23, 2022
“Carroll works to ‘Make Recovery the Epidemic’“
Marshall University News:
September 12, 2022
“Prevention Empowerment Partnership to host teen prevention summit“
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September 12, 2022
“Prevention Empowerment Partnership to host teen prevention summit“
Fox News:
September 1, 2022
“Naloxone growing on college campuses as opioid overdoses continue“
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September 1, 2022
“Naloxone growing on college campuses as opioid overdoses continue“
Colorado State University: July 26, 2022
“CSU offering naloxone and overdose prevention trainings“
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“CSU offering naloxone and overdose prevention trainings“
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Latest Press Releases
- January 22, 2024:
SAFE Project Takes a Stand Launching New Country Song “It Ain’t 5 O’clock Somewhere” to Commemorate Dry January and Share a Message of Moderation
SAFE Project, a nonprofit committed to overcoming the addiction epidemic in the US, announces the launch of the song It Ain’t 5 O’clock Somewhere to combat pro-drinking messages in country music and encourage listeners to drink in moderation. - March 29, 2023:
SAFE Project and RISE TOGETHER Partner to Bring Engaging Presentation on Substance Use and Mental Health to Local School Community
SAFE Project and RISE TOGETHER partnered to bring an impactful presentation to students at Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA. The presentation focused on substance use, mental health, wellness, and stories of loss, and was designed to genuinely speak to youth on their own level. - September 9, 2022:
SAFE Project receives 2022 Hire Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor
Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh recognized SAFE Project as a recipient of the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. - October 31, 2022:
SAFE Project joins partners across the nation in a campaign for the World Series to end opioid use disorder
It takes just five days to develop an opioid addiction – here’s how to make safe and healthy choices. - October 24, 2022:
Drug Use Prevention: 7 ways to engage in 2022 Red Ribbon Week
Choose Your Path. Make SAFE Choices. - July 13, 2022:
OWLS and SAFE Project Announce Positive Results of Evidence-Based Veteran Wellness and Resilience Pilot Program
The Veteran Wellness and Resilience pilot delivered improvements in 6 areas, including learning key personal strengths, building resilience, and goal-setting. - June 23, 2022:
SAFE Project announces wellness program supporting veterans in their transition from service
SAFE Project has launched its new veteran wellness program, “SAFE Veterans: Journey from Coping to Thriving” - March 10, 2022:
SAFE Project and Partnership to End Addiction launch nation’s first Family Support Locator
Free, searchable locator for local and national resources that provide support for family members impacted by addiction - April 1, 2022:
SAFE Project and Athletico Physical Therapy Partner to Bring At-home Drug Disposal to Households Nationwide
The Gone for Good at-home medication disposal campaign aims to remove millions of unused drugs from medicine cabinets across the United States - March 10, 2022:
SAFE Project and Partnership to End Addiction launch nation’s first Family Support Locator
Free, searchable locator for local and national resources that provide support for family members impacted by addiction - October 1, 2021:
SAFE Project and Athletico Physical Therapy Partner to Bring At-home Drug Disposal to Households Nationwide
SAFE Project and Athletico Physical Therapy announce they are partnering on the fourth Gone for Good® at-home medication disposal campaign to distribute the Deterra® Drug Deactivation and Disposal System free of charge to U.S. households this October. - October 12, 2021:
Fighting the Addiction Epidemic on Campus
MAPDA Announces Support For SAFE Project’s Campuses Initiative - October 1, 2021:
SAFE Project and Athletico Physical Therapy Partner to Bring At-home Drug Disposal to Households Nationwide
SAFE Project and Athletico Physical Therapy announce they are partnering on the fourth Gone for Good® at-home medication disposal campaign to distribute the Deterra® Drug Deactivation and Disposal System free of charge to U.S. households this October. - July 26, 2021:
SAFE Project, CADCA, MAPDA, Shatterproof, and Emergent BioSolutions Launch Nationwide “Reverse the Silence” Campaign
SAFE Project, CADCA, MAPDA, Shatterproof, and Emergent BioSolutions Launch Nationwide “Reverse the Silence” Campaign - July 14, 2021:
SAFE Project Congratulates Board Member Dr. Rahul Gupta For Nomination as U.S. Drug Czar
SAFE Project applauds the nomination of Dr. Rahul Gupta to lead ONDCP.
Podcast Appearances
America’s Work Force Podcast – November 2023
Show Description: “Jeff Horwitz, Chief Executive Officer for SAFE Project, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about his journey to the organization, what the organization does and barriers faced when educating workers and leaders on opioid addiction and mental health issues.”