Stress and other challenges often follow us into the workplace, and for those struggling with opioid dependency, the risks can be even more serious. Opioid overdose can happen on the job, yet many employees aren't aware of the warning signs or how to respond to help save a coworker’s life.

In this episode, we explore efforts to create safer, more supportive work environments, including initiatives to make naloxone accessible and build recovery-friendly workplaces. Hear how businesses can be part of the solution.

Guests:

• Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council
• Desiree Voshefksy, Community Impact Manager at  Community Medical Services for Eastern Arizona
• Cal Beyer, Senior Director for SAFE Workplaces at SAFE Project
• Dr. Joel Moody, Chief Prevention Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills development

Resources:

• The Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace
• Waging A Counterattack on Opioids: First-Dose Prevention Strategies for the Workplace & at Home

Opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and middle and high school students are dying at unacceptable rates. Students across the country are advocating for more education and better access to resources in schools, so they can keep themselves and their peers safe. 

In this episode, hear from some of those students, as well as an adolescent health expert, about how the opioid crisis has touched this population, and how they are working to help create a safer future for everyone. 

Guests:

• Hays Stritikus, Co-Director, Students Against Overdose 
• Dr. Patricia Kapunan, Pediatrician and Adolescent Health Specialist
• Jackson Taylor, student and advocate
• Sujit Hedge, student, advocate and volunteer EMS provider 

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

It takes a village to care for a newborn and navigate early motherhood, but mothers with a history of opioid dependency often lack the community support that can help them thrive. Stigma can be a barrier to getting proper care for themselves and their babies, which may be heightened for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Even the act of asking nurses at the hospital for advice can seem daunting. 

This episode, we talk to people and organizations who are working to reduce stigma and improve outcomes. By providing compassionate care, both mothers and infants can be set up for success. 

Guests: 

• Nikole Young,  Director at Heart Rock Justus Family Recovery Center
• Tara Sundem, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Hushabye Nursery
• Justin Phillips,  CEO and Founder of Overdose Lifeline

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Navigating the criminal justice system can be a difficult experience for anyone, but for people who struggle with opioid use, or those in recovery, these challenges can feel insurmountable. Treatment within jails and prisons is not consistent, and people can be left with more challenges than solutions upon release. 

In this episode, we will hear from people doing the work to move the needle and equip people with evidence-based resources to prevent opioid overdose and promote recovery. 

Guests:

• Chris Chavez, Regional Manager of Community Programs at HOPE Incorporated.
• Dr. Olivia Sugarman,  postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Jason Edgcomb, Superintendent at the LaSalle County Jail

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Welcome back to Countermeasures. In our upcoming season, we are taking a closer look at some of the communities hit hardest by the opioid crisis. From the corridors of elder care facilities to the bustling halls of high schools, we’ll hear from advocates, public health experts, and people who are using their lived experience to make things better for their communities. Together, we'll come to better understand the opioid crisis and discover a new way forward.

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help address the opioid crisis, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Congress plays an important role in addressing the opioid crisis as a public health emergency. In this bonus episode, hear how policymakers are working to identify solutions that help support our communities and turn the tide on the opioid epidemic. 

Guests

Representative Dave Joyce, Ohio’s 14th District

Jessica Hulsey, Founder and CEO, Addiction Policy Forum

Resources: 

• Addiction Policy Forum 
• Addiction Policy Forum Training and Workshops

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Native American communities have been some of the hardest hit by the opioid crisis. To understand why, the historical, social and economic contexts must be taken into consideration. In this episode, hear from experts and those impacted by the crisis to help uncover this important context. Additionally, hear how communities are rallying together to find solutions that incorporate culture and community to support those struggling and seeking recovery. 

Guests

Nathan Billy, Behavioral Health Programs Director, National Indian Health Board

Nickolaus Lewis, Vice Chairperson and Portland Area Representative, National Indian Health Board

Judith Surber, Author

Charlene Bingham, MSW

Resources:

• The National Indian Health Board
• Reservation High 
• The National Native American Boarding School Coalition (U.S)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (Canada)

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

First responders have been on the front lines of the opioid epidemic since it first began, and have witnessed how it has progressed and changed. In this episode, hear from first responders from across the country, and learn about some of the innovative programs they’re running to address this crisis, and connect more people with recovery support. Plus, hear what is being done to support responders who come face to face with the epidemic every day. 

Guests



Matthew Burgan, Community Paramedic at Frederick County Division of Fire Rescue

Kevin Joles, Division Chief of EMS at Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and Chair of the EMS section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs

John Potvin, Director, Division of Emergency Medical Service and Deputy Emergency Management Director, East Providence Fire Department 

Resources: 

• About Safe Stations
• Prevent Overdose Rhode Island
• Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical 
• Frederick County Division of Fire Rescue
• East Providence Fire Department 

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Generations of children have been impacted by the opioid crisis. Children with a parent or guardian who struggles with opioid dependency often feel isolated and don't know where to turn for support. In this episode, we explore Camp Mariposa, a program run by Eluna that provides a safe and fun environment for children and teaches them important life skills. 

Guests

Brian Maus, Director of Addiction Prevention and Mentoring Programs at Eluna 

Kobe, mentor and former attendee at Camp Mariposa

Kaia, mentor and former attendee at Camp Mariposa 

Resources: 

• About Eluna
• Camp Mariposa 

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Thank you for listening to Countermeasures, we’re taking a break this week and will be back next Wednesday, November 29 to bring you more on how children and families are impacted by the Opioid Epidemic. To all of our American listeners, we hope you have a great Thanksgiving. We’ll see you next week