Join Danielle Heffernan, Certified Recovery Support Specialist & Coordinator for DuPage Recovery Organization, and our Prevention Specialist Sarah Gruden as they dive deep into the powerful conversation around stigma, recovery, and hope. Let’s change the narrative, one story at a time. 

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Holly Gueyer, the author of Ending the Crisis and an Addiction Medicine Specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. We dive into her remarkable career journey and the impactful work she does in supporting patients with complex illnesses, particularly in hospital settings. We also explore her insights on the opioid epidemic. While the challenges vary by state, Dr. Gueyer highlights the similarities in the approaches needed to protect individuals and communities from the impact of substance use disorder.

In this episode of Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, our host and Prevention Specialist, Erika, speaks with Jordyn Hughes, a fellow Prevention Specialist working on a separate project at OMNI. Jordyn shares her journey from growing up immersed in sports to the determination and focus that fueled her high school years, ultimately leading her to compete at the collegiate level. She also opens up about the challenges and realities of transitioning from being an athlete to adulthood. The two dive into their shared experiences as college athletes, offering valuable insights and advice to students currently pursuing the same dream. Jordyn completed her undergraduate studies at Eastern Illinois University and earned her graduate degree at Murray State University in Kentucky.

In this episode, we sit down with Ambrosia, Project Coordinator, and Terri, Client Services Team Lead, from Circle of Care. They discuss the critical connection between grief and substance use disorder, as well as the unique services their program offers. Tune in to learn more about how the Circle of Care is supporting children, youth, and families impacted by grief related to substance use disorder through their statewide program.

Check out this podcast episode where we talk to Liz, the Assistant Director of Substance Misuse Prevention at Health Promotion and Wellness (HPaW), shares her journey and expertise. Liz joined HPaW in January 2023, where she oversees vital programs like BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening Intervention for College Students), and manages AOD (alcohol and other drug) programs such as Red Watch Band, Opioid Overdose Prevention, Naloxone Training, and Drinking Culture Close-Up. Liz’s student affairs journey began at UIC, where she worked as a resident assistant and orientation leader. Her passion for helping college students make healthier decisions regarding substance use is driven by her background in public health. Don't miss her insights on supporting students' well-being and substance misuse prevention!

In this episode of Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, we sit down with Sarah Richardson, FGC, and a key member of the Sangamon County ROSC. Sarah dives into the concept of ROSC (Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care), explaining its vital role in fostering community collaboration and driving meaningful change in the fight to end the opioid epidemic. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on how local, coordinated efforts can make a lasting impact.

Our Prevention Specialist Armando, talks to Wendy Lambert, the CEO of Step Recovery Center. Wendy talks about how what initially started as something she had posted on  has resulted in amazing contributions  such as community work, housing, and support for those who have Substance Use Disorder. She has made amazing contributions in her community. 

 In this episode of Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, we welcome Kate Reed, a Trauma-Informed Consultant and Burnout Prevention Specialist. Kate shares her journey from her upbringing in Africa to her studies in the Middle East, highlighting how community care has shaped her insights into global health and her current career. She discusses the impact of trauma on our bodies and emphasizes the long-term detrimental effects it can have, as well as the potential for reversal through education for future generations. 

On this episode of Tackling the Opioid Epidemic, we talk to Megan Hanley, an epidemiologist from the Tazewell County Health Department. She highlights patterns that can help vape shops better understand and address the factors that lead teens to access their products, encouraging accountability and responsible practices. Megan also discusses how various sectors—policy, prevention, education, and community—can collaborate to combat the opioid epidemic. 

On this week's episode, we’re joined by Erika, The Prescription Playbook's Prevention Specialist, and Allison, our Digital Marketing Specialist. They discuss the unique marketing strategies for the project. Allison shares how her passion for graphic design and human interaction has led her to her role on the team.