When you think of the opioid crisis, older adults are likely not what comes to mind. However, older adults are highly impacted by the crisis. For some, it is a result of the opioid medications prescribed for chronic pain, while others have struggled with chronic substance use disorder for years, even before the crisis began. In this episode, we explore the often unexpected ways the opioid crisis is affecting older adults. We'll dive into why this group is so often overlooked in discussions about dependency and recovery, and examine the unique challenges they face in accessing education and care.Guests:Maryann Mason, PhD, Sociologist and an associate professor of emergency medicine at Northwestern UniversityMary Nguyen, PharmacistJessica Liebster, Case Manager at West Neighbourhood House
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Preparing students for opioid emergencies
Going to college is an exciting time filled with new experiences. For some students, it might also be their first exposure to opioids, and they may not know the dangers of accidental overdose. However, college is also a time when many students get involved in creating change and promoting education to protect themselves, other students, and their communities. In this episode, hear how the conversation around overdose on college campuses is changing, and the students, administrators, and public health experts working to create safer campuses for everyone. Guests:Riley Sullivan, Bella Grumet and Kathleen Ready of the Carolina Harm Reduction Union Cori Hammond, M.P.H, Director, Prevention Services, Partnership to End Addiction Alexis Drakatos, Assistant Director of Substance Misuse Prevention at the University of Oregon
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Creating safer workplaces
Stress and other challenges often follow us into the workplace, and for those struggling with opioid dependency, the risks can be even more serious. Opioid overdose can happen on the job, yet many employees aren't aware of the warning signs or how to respond to help save a coworker’s life.In this episode, we explore efforts to create safer, more supportive work environments, including initiatives to make naloxone accessible and build recovery-friendly workplaces. Hear how businesses can be part of the solution.Guests:Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety CouncilDesiree Voshefksy, Community Impact Manager at Community Medical Services for Eastern ArizonaCal Beyer, Senior Director for SAFE Workplaces at SAFE ProjectDr. Joel Moody, Chief Prevention Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills developmentResources:The Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the WorkplaceWaging A Counterattack on Opioids: First-Dose Prevention Strategies for the Workplace & at Home
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Keeping students safe from opioid overdose
Opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and middle and high school students are dying at unacceptable rates. Students across the country are advocating for more education and better access to resources in schools, so they can keep themselves and their peers safe. In this episode, hear from some of those students, as well as an adolescent health expert, about how the opioid crisis has touched this population, and how they are working to help create a safer future for everyone. Guests:Hays Stritikus, Co-Director, Students Against Overdose Dr. Patricia Kapunan, Pediatrician and Adolescent Health SpecialistJackson Taylor, student and advocateSujit Hedge, student, advocate and volunteer EMS provider To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com
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Compassionate care for new mothers
It takes a village to care for a newborn and navigate early motherhood, but mothers with a history of opioid dependency often lack the community support that can help them thrive. Stigma can be a barrier to getting proper care for themselves and their babies, which may be heightened for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Even the act of asking nurses at the hospital for advice can seem daunting. This episode, we talk to people and organizations who are working to reduce stigma and improve outcomes. By providing compassionate care, both mothers and infants can be set up for success. Guests: Nikole Young, Director at Heart Rock Justus Family Recovery CenterTara Sundem, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Hushabye NurseryJustin Phillips, CEO and Founder of Overdose LifelineTo learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com
An American dies of an accidental overdose every 8 minutes. Chances are, you or someone you know, has been touched by opioid dependency or overdose. In Countermeasures, we meet some of the people driving positive change to combat the opioid epidemic and destigmatize opioid dependency. Hear the impacts of the epidemic firsthand, and be inspired by the stories of resilience and hope from community advocates, first responders, public health experts and those whose lives have been directly touched by the crisis. Countermeasures is brought to you by Emergent, maker of NARCAN® Nasal Spray. To learn more about what Emergent is doing to address public health threats like the opioid crisis, visit emergentbiosolutions.com
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