The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative’s nine-segment podcast series, Answering the Call, seeks to examine the roles and perspectives of first responders, marginalized communities, and justice systems, as well as the role of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, in the opioid crisis.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) is partnering with states, local jurisdictions, and tribal communities by funding the development and implementation of holistic, innovative programs that incorporate comprehensive and data-driven strategies for addressing the needs of youth and families impacted by the opioid epidemic and other substance misuse. In this episode, “An OJJDP Perspective: Enhancing Mitigation and Support,” Deputy Administrator Chyrl Jones will address OJJDP’s commitment to creating equitable juvenile justice systems that result in safer communities and enable youth to identify positive pathways to success, fostering stronger families and healthier communities.

The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative’s nine-segment podcast series, Answering the Call, seeks to examine the roles and perspectives of first responders, marginalized communities, and justice systems, as well as the role of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, in the opioid crisis.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender (LGBTQIA) community has been hard hit by substance misuse and its detrimental outcomes. Members of this community are at an increased risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs) in response to feelings of stigmatization, isolation, and negative self-image perpetuated by an often less-than-welcoming society. Treatment for these individuals may be difficult to access and may be significantly harmful due to stigmatized attitudes, lack of understanding, or outright bias. Support of LGBTQIA individuals with SUDs requires creating safe spaces in which they can connect and receive supportive treatment without fear of discrimination or additional marginalization. In this episode, “Speaking the Language,” Dishon Laing and Steven Haden will focus on ways in which programs are prioritizing providing a common language and understanding of the nuanced experiences of LGBTQIA individuals with SUDs. It will highlight the importance of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into trauma-informed practices to promote responses that are non-stigmatizing and culturally aligned.

The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative’s nine-segment podcast series, Answering the Call, seeks to examine the roles and perspectives of first responders, marginalized communities, and justice systems, as well as the role of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the opioid crisis.  

In this episode, “Addressing Not Arresting”, Rosezetta Bobo and Dale Landry, will discuss how justice systems can better support youth who present with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.  This segment will focus on restorative strategies for creating and enhancing juvenile justice programs that address substance use challenges, specifically related to opioid use, and highlight best practices that not only reduce substance use and recidivism but also align with positive outcomes for impacted youth and their families.

The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative’s nine-segment podcast series, Answering the Call, seeks to examine the roles and perspectives of first responders, marginalized communities, and justice systems, as well as the role of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the opioid crisis.  

In this episode, “Case by Case”, Brooke Byrd and Kelly Tanner, will address the intersection of substance use and human trafficking and share their personal perspectives on strategies for increasing the trauma competency of those in positions to support and connect with potential victims of human trafficking. Mrs. Byrd and Mrs. Kelly discuss the associated risks of opioid and substance use, identify ways to improve protective factors for children and families, and speak to the disconnect between the subtlety and cruelty of trafficking. 

The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative’s nine-segment podcast series, Answering the Call, seeks to examine the roles and perspectives of first responders, marginalized communities, and justice systems, as well as the role of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the opioid crisis.  

In this episode, "Balancing Act", Sergeant Lex Jorge highlights the perspective of law enforcement officers and details the emotional and physical impacts of trying to save people struggling with addiction day in and day out. Because law enforcement officers are uniquely positioned to encounter individuals within the community who use drugs, they serve as important conduits through which appropriate interventions can reach those individuals.  Mr. Jorge focuses on how police balance their various roles in their efforts to combat the opioid crisis and discusses the importance of customizing responses to communities impacted by opioid and other substance use disorders while recognizing the special needs of vulnerable communities.

The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative’s nine-segment podcast series, Answering the Call, seeks to examine the roles and perspectives of first responders, marginalized communities, and justice systems, as well as the role of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the opioid crisis.  

In this episode, "The Frontline", Christopher Menapace will spotlight the critical role of emergency medical services (EMS) in addressing the opioid crisis and share his unique perspective on how the opioid epidemic has presented significant challenges to communities across the country. Mr. Menapace is an assistant fire chief in Mount Vernon, Ohio, responsible for overseeing EMS, fire operations, and the Prevention Bureau, as well as improving the delivery of services to the community. He also implemented the Whitehall’s Help for Overdose (WHO) program to help reduce opioid misuse, addiction, and fatalities by assisting with treatment, recovery, and prevention of opioid usage.

The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative’s nine-segment podcast series, Answering the Call, seeks to examine the roles and perspectives of first responders, marginalized communities, and justice systems, as well as the role of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the opioid crisis.  

In this episode, “It’s Not Us and Them, It’s Just Us,” Jesse Fairchild, LCPC, weighs in on the opioid crisis and its impact on youth and families across the country.  As a mental health professional and first responder, Ms. Fairchild is adamant about shifting from a culture of shaming to a culture of supporting.  In this segment, she focuses on the impact of trauma and the importance of taking a holistic approach to promoting healing and reducing stigma by integrating strategies that strengthen families and offer support to avoid dismantling the family unit.