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Roger Green is joined by Sober Livers Founder/Visionary Jenn Jones and Principal Strategic Advisor Beth Lehman to discuss HOPE, a support program launching June 11 for people who have harmed their bodies through ALD and its consequences. 

00:00:00 - Surf's Up: Season 5 Episode 18
Standard lead-in, including quotes from panelists

00:02:07 - Introduction
Roger describes the episode structure.

00:03:44 - Meet Beth Lehman
Beth Lehman, Principal Strategic Advisor for Sober LIvers, discusses her disease background and personal history,

00:08:45 - Groundbreaker
One good thing in the past week, personal or professional.

00:11:28 - Introducing HOPE
Roger starts the conversation by discussing how the new nomenclature has incorporated alcohol into the vision of steatotic liver disease. It was the new nomenclature that led Sober LIvers to link with the Fatty Liver Foundation.

Jenn introduces HOPE, (Healing Others with Peers and Education) an organization providing peer support for people living with active or remission Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) while advocating for "people to understand the disease better." Peers will be living with cirrhosis or post-transplant. 

Beth notes that while she has been involved in several different programs, none have had subgroups for people who harmed their bodies through consumption of alcohol...which is why she believes this group is needed so badly.

00:15:38 - Why patients who have harmed themselves have different needs
Roger asks what makes people who have harmed their bodies through alcohol abuse unique. Beth and Jenn explain that the lifelong medical challenges associated with being post-transplant or living with cirrhosis create unique needs and challenges. 

Roger asks whether a friend who was found vomiting blood is a good candidate for the program. Jenn describes why the answer is "Yes." Beth adds that this person might not have addressed the behavior patterns that led him to overconsume alcohol, which would put him at risk of relapse.

00:22:22 - What the HOPE program includes
Jenn describes the program's core elements, starting with a monthly video call that is a support meeting one month and an educational program the next. Beth adds that HOPE's goal is to help individuals address their overall behavior, not merely their drinking. Jenn anticipates that ideas and activities will "bubble up" from members.

00:28:16 - Questions about providers and caregivers
Roger asks how a provider could help patients find their ways to Sober Livers and HOPE. Beth says the key is for the group to deliver educational materials to the offices where patients go. Jenn notes that the Zoom address for the support meetings is not publicly available. People must enroll to be invited.  While enrolling, they can learn more about the organization and its other resources.

Roger asks about support for caregivers. Beth notes that Sober Livers plans to provide support over time, because "care partners are going through a lot." At the same time, she notes that people living with the disease may have things to say that they would not share with caregivers. 

00:33:43 - Future plans, budget and wrap-up
Roger asks what else Sober Livers would like to implement over time to enhance the program. Jenn answers and then, In response to a question from Roger, estimates what it costs to run the program for a year. Sober Livers has raised some funds, but seeks more.

00:44:47 - Question of the Week 
Roger asks listeners what other patient or stakeholder groups might benefit from a program like HOPE.

00:45:19 - Business report 
The business report discusses SurfingMASH's EASL coverag