Someone You Know: Facing the Opioid Crisis Together

United States Representative Madeleine Dean and her son Harry Cunnane recently joined Independence Blue Cross' Someone You Know Associate Resource Group for a virtual town hall. The discussion was moderated by Patrick Flynn, Government Affairs Specialist and Co-lead of the Someone You Know Associate Resource Group, with an introduction by Stephen P. Fera, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs.

In this episode, host Heather Major narrates the virtual town hall event, which highlights Harry's personal journey to recovery, how Rep. Dean is advocating for federal funding of collegiate recovery programs, and the inspiration behind their memoir, "Under Our Roof: A Son's Battle for Recovery, a Mother's Battle for Her Son."

Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

The Honorable John F. White, Jr. is the President & CEO of The Consortium, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that provides holistic, community-based services for the empowerment and recovery of all who seek assistance with behavioral health and substance use. Kyle Shearer is a client of The Consortium who benefited from its services throughout his journey to recovery.

In this episode, we discuss staying committed to recovery during times of transition, the pandemic's impact on individuals struggling with addiction, and the value of support services that address the social determinants of health.

For more information on The Consortium, visit https://consortiuminc.org.

Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Angela Smith is the Head of School at The Bridge Way School, Philadelphia's first recovery high school. Kristen Harootunian is a Bridge Way School alumni and public speaker in active recovery.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges young people face when overcoming addiction, the impact of recovery resources in high schools, and how The Bridge Way School creates a learning environment that helps students succeed in their recovery journey.

For more information on The Bridge Way School, visit www.thebridgewayschool.org.

Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Mary FitzGerald is the CEO of Eluna, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by grief or addiction through innovative resources and programs. Briana Cunningham is a public affairs specialist at Independence Blue Cross, whose family has been impacted by substance use disorder.

In this episode, we discuss Briana's experience throughout her sister's struggle with addiction, how her family has navigated the journey, and how Eluna provides children with the tools to help restore hope and break the intergenerational cycle of addiction.

For more information on Eluna, visit https://elunanetwork.org. To access the Eluna Resource Center, visit https://elunanetwork.org/resources.

Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Chris Herren is a former professional basketball player turned author, speaker, and advocate for the recovery community.

In this episode, we hear about Chris' journey with substance misuse and recovery, exploring the intersection between the pressure to perform and addiction. Chris discusses how he has used his platform to promote prevention education for students, athletes, and communities.

Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

TM 2021 Someone You Know(R). All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Welcome to season 2 of "Someone You Know®." This season, we'll be focusing on the next generation of young people facing the opioid crisis. On today's episode, we are joined by Tim Rabolt, the Executive Director for the Association of Recovery in Higher Education and Keith Murphy, Substance Abuse Specialist & Recovery Counselor at Rutgers University.

We focus on the next generation of young people facing the opioid crisis, including the best practices for launching a successful Collegiate Recovery Program. We also discuss the role stigma plays for the younger generation, why the students need to be at the center of all Collegiate Recovery Programs, and how Tim and Keith are leading their respective programs to stay connected during the COVID-19 crisis.

Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2021 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Dr. Glenn Sterner is a professor and researcher at Penn State Abington, whose recent work studies opiate abuse networks and stigma as a barrier to treatment. He also founded the Share Your Opioid Story initiative.

In the final episode of Season 1, we discuss the creation and expansion of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation's Someone You Know campaign, and reflect on our efforts to combat the effects of stigma and inspire hope in our communities.

Hosted by Heather Major, Director of Programs for Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2020 Someone You Know. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Jenny Wagner is a former investigative health reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times who dedicated much of her time as a journalist to covering the opioid epidemic.

In this episode, we discuss the media's role in reporting on the crisis, and the profound impact language and messaging have on stigma.

Check out State of Emergency, Jenny's 2018 series chronicling the efforts being made to save lives impacted by substance use disorder and the barriers that keep help out of reach.

Hosted by Heather Major, Director of Programs for Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2020 Someone You Know. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Patrick is a mental health counselor and doctoral student, and Ramon is a behavioral health specialist. Both are in long-term recovery.

In this episode, Patrick and Ramon discuss the intersection of substance use disorder and mental health, what it means to have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring conditions, and the importance of a holistic approach to treatment.

Watch Patrick's story on YouTube. Watch Ramon's story on YouTube.

Hosted by Heather Major, Director of Programs for Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2020 Someone You Know. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.

In this episode, we speak with employees of Esperanza Health Center, which provides affordable, bilingual health care services in North Philadelphia. Rosa, Janneza and Executive Director Susan Post discuss stigma surrounding the Kensington community and the need for culturally competent care when providing substance use disorder treatment and services.

Esperanza's new health center opened in Kensington on September 30. For more information, visit the website.

Hosted by Heather Major, Director of Programs for Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website for more information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK

TM 2020 Someone You Know. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimers

This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with.

This podcast discusses opioid use, opioid treatment, and physical and psychological trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

This podcast is solely for informational purposes. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.