Faces of Service: Right Place, Right Time

It’s not often that someone gets the chance to save a life, but Prince William County Department of Community Services Peer Support Specialists Kishawna Scarborough and Ashim Pandey recently found themselves in that very situation and took decisive action that saved a woman from a fatal overdose. 

Pandey and Scarborough were participating in a Department of Community Services outreach initiative, distributing naloxone kits, used to reverse opioid overdoses, and providing information about available resources. As Peer Support Specialists, they use their own lived experience to guide and encourage individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges, connecting them to resources, helping them set recovery goals, and advocating for their needs. During their canvassing, they noticed a visibly distressed man and stepped forward to offer assistance.

“When I saw a young man pacing on the sidewalk, talking on his phone, I sensed something wasn’t right,” Pandey said. “After I approached and introduced myself, he immediately told me someone was overdosing nearby. In that moment, the decision to follow him came naturally. It was simply the right thing to do.” 

The young man had already called emergency medical services, or EMS, for the woman who had overdosed. Pandey and Scarborough accompanied him to the scene and gave a naloxone kit to one of the woman’s friends who administered the naloxone with their guidance.

 

“There were moments when I feared we might lose her,” Pandey said. “She seemed so young, and it was hard not to feel a sense of urgency and concern. I was focused but emotionally affected as well. I’m just thankful we were in the right place at the right time to help.”  

Within minutes, the woman regained consciousness.   

“Seeing her regain consciousness, on her 24th birthday, no less, was incredibly moving,” Pandey said. “Moments like that remind me why this work matters. As a peer support specialist, there are times when I wonder whether I’m truly making a difference. That day affirmed everything we do.”  

Scarborough echoed the sentiments. 

“Working as a peer support specialist is an extremely, deeply rewarding experience,” Scarborough said. “I’ve been given the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others while also experiencing personal growth and fulfillment.”

Pandey stayed with the woman, providing recovery resources, sharing information on support services, and even offering part of his own recovery story until EMS arrived to take over her care.   

Scarborough credited REVIVE!, the training that equips Community Services staff to respond to overdoses. 

“REVIVE training provided me with valuable knowledge to be able to help this individual. The training teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency by administering naloxone,” Scarborough said.  

REVIVE! training is available to the community at large. Residents can visit pwcva.gov/events or call 703-792-7800 to find and register for upcoming REVIVE! training sessions. For more information about naloxone visit pwcva.gov/department/community-services/naloxone-education.