Julie Koski
Walk for the Love – A Walk Across America

Walk for the Love – Kansas to New Mexico

Grand Portage residents Julie and Jess Koski are walking across the U.S. to raise awareness about opioid overdose and harm reduction services, including access to Narcan and other supplies.


In this segment, they are 2,800 miles into the journey, veering west toward their final destination in San Diego, California. Julie explains why different approaches are needed to reverse Fentanyl and Xylazine overdoses, two very dangerous drugs which have recently been found in Cook County, MN. We learn about local, harm reduction distribution sites at Grand Portage and at the Cook County Court House. Julie also adds insight into why calling 911 in the event of an overdose is sometimes a difficult option for some people. Follow along at Walk for the Love.

Jess Koski successfully tackles the 100-mile “Across the Years” run in Phoenix, AZ.

Road trash near Estancia, NM., January 2024.

To get harm reduction supplies or more information about overdose prevention in Cook County, call:
Cook County Public Health and Human Services – 218-387-3620 or Grand Portage Human Services – 218-475-2453.

Walk for the Love is produced by Staci Drouillard and is funded in part by the Blandin Foundation.