We’ve heard that the opioid epidemic is in our backyards, but what does that really mean? Today, Kennedy and Carmen find out by diving into the history, causes, and politics of the opioid epidemic. Sociology professor Dr. Keith Durkin further expands upon these issues and offers insight into how mental health support could address this crisis. The episode concludes with a Polar Bear POV with a 3rd-year pharmacy student, Eli Schmitmeyer, who considers how his work impacts the opioid epidemic.