Ep. 258 - Saving Lives from Opioid Overdoses – Part 2: Innovations in Harm Reduction

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40:54

Taxes, Voting, Recycling—oh my! After navigating this jungle of grown-up responsibilities together, we're taking a quick summer breather to recharge our adulting batteries. But before we temporarily hang up our responsible pants, join us for this special episode packed with our favorite kernels of wisdom from the season so far AND get an exclusive preview of the fresh adulting adventures awaiting you when Grown-Up Stuff returns in late summer! Think of this episode as your adulting victory lap—complete with confetti and zero paperwork required! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

6 years ago 31:24

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Last week, in part 1 of our series on harm reduction, Dr. Jeffrey Singer talked with us about the current state of Naloxone in America, and how to get it to those in need. Today, in the 2nd part of this series, we explore Dr. Singer’s argument against the opioid prescribing limits that have been implemented by many states as a means to slow the opioid epidemic. With more prescribing leniency, a nonprofit group's bid to open a medically supervised drug injection site in Philadelphia could be the first of many alternative treatment methods. . . . On April 6th, 2020, Dr. Springer will debate author Sam Quinones on the premise of his bestselling book “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opioid Epidemic”. Join us next time as we continue our conversation with Dr. Singer and Preview his faceoff with Mr. Quinones.

284 episodes

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Ep. 258 - Saving Lives from Opioid Overdoses – Part 2: Innovations in Harm Reduction

Cover 2 Resources

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published 6 years ago

MP3•Episode home

284 episodes

#Fitness #Cover2 Resources #Cover 2 Resources #Opioid Epidemic

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Ep. 276 - Strike Force Stops Flow of Illicit Opioids 28:45

5 years ago28:45

28:45

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Ep. 284 - Sentencing The Mastermind 35:28

5 years ago35:28

35:28

Last February, I interviewed Evan Ratliff, author of The Mastermind. The book tells the story of how lone programmer Paul La Roux, built an online drug empire responsible for dumping millions of pain pills into the U.S. La Roux enticed hundreds of doctors to take part in his scheme and wasn’t caught until 2012. During my interview with Ratliff, he speculated on how La Roux’s cooperation with the government to bring down the people in his organization would affect his sentencing. Last month we finally got our answer, as La Roux went before Judge Ronnie Abrams for sentencing. Today, we revisit our story on The Mastermind and talk with Evan Rattliff about the bizarre twists in the La Roux proceedings. For more on the Paul Le Roux story, and the fate of the mastermind, join us on this week’s PPT podcast episode.…

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Ep. 283 - Obscure Treatment Could be The Final Fix for Addiction 58:25

5 years ago58:25

58:25

For the last few months, I’ve been covering COVID-19’s impact on the opioid crisis. With overdoses up 42% in May alone, it’s projected 75,000 additional lives will be lost to alcohol and drug overdose because of the pandemic. One resource that could help prevent this is a methodology for addiction treatment that has existed for over 45 years but has been relentlessly shunned by the medical establishment. This unique, non-pharmacological treatment is called Neuroelectric Therapy (NET) and I first learned about it last month, after receiving an email from 1A Productions. They had just released “The Final Fix”, a documentary following 5 victims of long-term OUD as they trial NET, in hopes of reclaiming their lives. Joining me on this episode of the Cover 2 Podcast is: The CEO of Izaiah House, Mark LaPalme. One of the five participants in the NET treatment study, Robert Capley. Treatment specialist and NET doubter turned believer, Matt LaRocco. And producer of The Final Fix, Norman Stone. Together, they take me on a deep-dive into Neuroelectric Therapy and the differences between NET and other treatment methods. We also explore why, even after 45 years, NET is still little known. For answers to these questions and more, join us for this week’s episode of the Cover2 Resources PPT podcast.…

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Ep. 282 - The Impact of COVID-19 on the Opioid Crisis 52:25

5 years ago52:25

52:25

Over the last 90 plus days, much has changed in our world. COVID19 has forced many of us to endure unfamiliar hardships and inconveniences. But our most vulnerable populations, such as those struggling with OUD, have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus. To better understand the impact of coronavirus on the opioid epidemic, we teamed up with some of the nation’s top opioid epidemic experts and former guests of the podcast: The Co-Director of Opioid Policy Research at Brandeis University, Dr. Andrew Kolodny. New York Times Editorial Writer and Bestselling author of Dopesick, Beth Macy. Former Clinton White House aide, author of American Fix, and recovery advocate, Ryan Hampton. Together, meeting online for last week’s live webinar, we discussed some of the most pressing questions on the current state of the Opioid Crisis: How has COVID-19 affected those struggling with OUD? How has the pandemic changed the way we treat opioid addiction? What has the struggle against coronavirus taught us about fighting the opioid crisis? For answers to these questions and more on our conversation, join us for this special episode of the Cover2 Resources PPT Podcast.…

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Ep. 205 Rerelease - American Fix: Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis and How to End It. 30:15

5 years ago30:15

30:15

In 2018, bestselling author Ryan Hampton spoke with me about his struggles with heroin addiction while working as a White House aide and how he become a national advocate for those in recovery. We hope you can join us on June 25th for a special live webinar to discuss the pandemic’s impact on the opioid epidemic and the odds of recovery in America today.…

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Ep. 220 Rerelease - Dopesick: The Drug Company that Addicted America 30:22

5 years ago30:22

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Late in 2018, Beth Macy, best selling author of "Dopesick", shared the story of how Virginia became the canary in the coal mine for the opioid epidemic in her 5 part series with me. We hope you can join us on June 25th for a special event to discuss the pandemic’s impact on the opioid epidemic and the odds of recovery in America today.…

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Ep. 281 - A Safer Supply Saves Lives 34:12

5 years ago34:12

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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is considered the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder. But it doesn’t work for everyone, and for those unresponsive to MAT, the next use of illicit street drugs could be their last. This month, Staff Sergeant Conor King introduced us to SaferSupply, a program for those who are either not ready for recovery or just unsuccessful with MAT. As a drug investigation expert for the Victoria Police Department of British Columbia, King shares his expertise to break down this game-changing program. Join us on this week’s episode of the Cover2 Resources PPT Podcast, where we explore the potential impact of pharmaceutical-grade drugs on drug-related crime, homelessness, and overdose deaths.…

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Ep. 280 - When Keeping Secrets Costs Lives 29:31

5 years ago29:31

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On May 14th Greg received an email from Elaine, a Montgomery County Maryland Resident. She shared the story of her brother Alan who had struggled with addiction, recovery, and relapse for much of his life. Less than a month ago, his unexpected death came as a shock to Elaine. But, she was more surprised to learn that Alan had overdosed many times before, and his history of close calls was well known by several friends. Hoping to stop others from making the same discovery too late, Elaine shares her brother's story on the latest episode of the Cover2 PPT Podcast series. For her full emotional story, join us on the Cover2 Podcast. If you know someone who’s overdosed, make it your business to tell their family. You might save a life!…

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Ep. 279 - Home Test Kits: DFCA's Innovative Response to a Pandemic 29:30

5 years ago29:30

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In today’s episode of the Cover2, PPT podcast, we continue revisiting some of the People, Places, and Things we’ve profiled in earlier episodes. We’re touching base to see how the Coronavirus has changed the way they’re making a difference in the opioid epidemic. Today we’re joined by Angie Ferguson, the Executive Director of Drug-Free Clubs of America (DFCA). This student-lead, in-school, prevention program, rewards students who pass drug tests, become card-carrying members and remain drug-free. We were first introduced to DFCA at a launch rally in Chillicothe, Ohio, back in 2016. There, 1,500 students marched from the gym to the courthouse to show their commitment to being drug-free. Join us on today’s podcast as returning guest, Angie Ferguson, share how COVID-19 has affected Drug Free Clubs of American and its student leaders.…

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Ep. 278 - Adapting Peer Recovery for a Pandemic 22:09

5 years ago22:09

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Three years ago, we profiled AnchorEd, an innovative initiative, developed in Rhode Island. This program enables peer recovery coaches to meet with overdose victims before their release from the hospital. In March, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sent everyone into lockdown. To continue helping people with recovery, these programs had to adapt to the new normal of social distancing. As we pivot into a new phase of the pandemic, with communities across the country planning to open up, those in recovery will face new, never before seen challenges. Changes to Ohio TeleHealth guidelines enabled peer recovery coaches to continue connecting with their patients during the lockdown. Brian Bailys, the founder of Thrive Behavioral Health Center, shares how his peer recovery network adapted their services in response to the coronavirus.…

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Ep. 277 - Rapid Changes to Opioid Treatment Driven by COVID-19 30:11

5 years ago30:11

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Last week, a STAT News article titled “Covid-19 will worsen the opioid overdose crisis if we don’t prepare now,” stated that, “Missing from the national discussion on the coronavirus has been another vulnerable group: patients with opioid use disorder. Despite ongoing public health efforts, the opioid overdose crisis does not appear to be slowing down. The emergency of Covid-19 could worsen it if we do not preemptively develop and implement response plans now.” As we know all too well, social isolation is a key measure for preventing infection and curbing the spread of the virus. Many patients taking medications to treat their opioid use disorder — methadone or buprenorphine — aren’t able to stay home. Government regulations limit how these medications are prescribed and dispensed, often requiring inpatient treatment. Here to talk about what’s being done for those in SUD treatment is Dr. Rick Massatti, the State Opioid Treatment Authority at the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). Dr. Massatti currently oversees the federally licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and has over sixteen years of experience working on substance use and mental health research policies and programs. As our state and nation pivot to address this crisis and vulnerable population, Dr. Massatti brings his expert understanding to this week’s podcast. Together, we shed light on the COVID-19 and the opioid treatment guidance policies, changing rapidly across the country. Join us on this week’s podcast for eye-opening insights into COVID-19’s impact on the opioid epidemic and the rapid response policy changes saving lives as the coronavirus pandemic evolves.…

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Ep. 275 - Drug Czar Unpacks Our National Opioid Epidemic Strategy 32:06

5 years ago32:06

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Ep. 274 - Treatment Breakthrough: The ER Addiction Stabilization Unit 37:34

5 years ago37:34

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Ep. 273 - The Mastermind Behind the World’s Largest Online Drug Cartel 44:28

5 years ago44:28

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Ep. 272 - MOMS Plus: New Program to Lower NAS Rates 27:45

6 years ago27:45

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Ep. 271 - In Pain: When No One Knows How to Taper Pain Pills 44:51

6 years ago44:51

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Ep. 270 - Insys Therapeutic Execs Sentenced: Will Doctors Be Next? 31:10

6 years ago31:10

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Ep 269 - New MLB Drug Testing Policy Could Be a Game Changer 30:23

6 years ago30:23

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Ep 268 - Rudy Giuliani & The Lost Opportunity to Make Them Pay 30:28

6 years ago30:28

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Our Favorite Episode from 2019: FDA Missteps that Helped Fuel Our Nation’s Health Crisis 32:10

6 years ago32:10

32:10

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Ep. 266 - Don't Live in Denial, Ohio 18:18

6 years ago18:18

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Ohio has one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the entire nation. Despite research from the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance revealing that most Ohio parents are aware of this, they still underestimate the risk opioids pose to their children and family. To counteract this “not my kid” mindset from leading parents to overlook the importance of preventative measures, the Alliance brought it to life through a 2018 public awareness campaign set in the imaginary town of Denial, Ohio. Last year Greg sat down with the President of the Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Chad Jester, who introduced the program in episode 214 of the Cover2 PPT podcast series. In today’s podcast, Chad returns to share the success of the program and the plans to spread it throughout Ohio in the coming year. Join us for today’s podcast where returning guest Chad Jester shares the results of the “Living in denial, Ohio” public awareness campaign. If you’d like to learn more about the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance or become a member, go to their website: dontliveindenial.org.…

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Ep. 265 - Drug & Alcohol Prevention Targets At-Risk Personality Types 30:26

6 years ago30:26

30:26

For years now, schools across the U.S. have been striving to implement more effective drug abuse prevention and education programs to protect adolescents from alcohol & drug abuse. However, despite investing millions of dollars into prevention programs such as D.A.R.E and Nancy Reagan’s “just say no” campaign, recent studies have revealed they’ve been largely ineffective. In fact, some of the programs intended to prevent drug use, have been known to trigger use in teens with certain personality types. PreVenture, an innovative evidence-based program that identifies at-risk teens through personality-based screening, has been gaining worldwide momentum. Bay Middle School, in Northeast Ohio, began rolling out the PreVenture program during the 2018-2019 school year. Last month, we sat down with the team of educators who introduced the program in Bay Village. Joining us today to share their experience with PreVenture, is Bay Village Middle School Principal Aaron Ereditario, Bay Middle School Teacher Chris Mullarkey, and former Bay Village High School Principal Jim Cahoon. Together, we take a deep-dive into how the PreVenture program was selected, rolled out, and what’s in store for the next phase of this ground-breaking prevention program at the Bay Middle School.…

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Ep. 264 - Beth Macy & Emily Martinez: Finding Tess 25:48

6 years ago25:48

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Earlier this year, Greg interviewed bestselling author Beth Macy in a series on her book, Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America. It’s a compelling account of the opioid epidemic in our country and profiles the over twenty-year history of the opioid crisis as it emerged in the state of Virginia. Recently, he caught up with Beth to talk about her latest project, Finding Tess, the story of Tess Henry, a young mother in her 20’s who does her best to recover from heroin addiction for her son. In November, Beth and her producer, Emily Martinez, released an Audible Original podcast series portraying Tess' graphic struggle against heroin addiction in obscure parts of Las Vegas. Join us for the return of bestselling author of Dopesick, Beth Macy, and Audible Originals producer Emily Martinez, as they introduce us to Finding Tess, their five-part podcast series sharing the last days of a young mother’s life as she battles heroin addiction on the Las Vegas streets.…

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Ep. 263 - Deconstructing the Addicted Mind: Dr. Nicole Labor 39:25

6 years ago39:25

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It’s difficult for a non-addicted person to rationalize the addicted mind, and the societal stigmatism around addiction doesn’t make that any easier. How can they keep making these decisions if they know they’re wrong, and why won’t they make choices that lead to recovery? The truth is, an addict isn’t in complete control. Like cancer or diabetes, addiction is a disease. In spite of a sound moral compass, a lot is going on in an addict’s brain that drives them to behave badly or make poor choices. Returning to the Cover2 Resources podcast to help explain the science behind the addicted mind, is Dr. Nicole Labor. Dr. Labor is not only a successful addiction specialist but a former addict herself. She uses this experience to bring a unique perspective to her work and the conversation surrounding addiction. Dr. Labor has spoken at many events, breaking down the biology of addiction in ways a layperson can easily understand. To empower more families, Dr. Labor's new book, The Addictoholic Deconstructed: An Irreverent Quick and Dirty Education by a Doctor who Says F*ck, a Lot, further explores the science of addiction through her personal experience. Breaking down the ideas she shares in her book, Nichole takes us through her journey with addiction, providing a personal, and technical perspective, into the science of the addicted mind. Join us for today’s podcast, with returning guest Dr. Nichole Labor, where we deconstruct the science of addiction. If you want to grab yourself a copy of "The Addictoholic Deconstructed: An Irreverent Quick and Dirty Education by a Doctor who Says F*ck, a Lot", By Dr. Nichole Labor, click the link here. https://bit.ly/2qEh7is…

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Ep. 262 - Akron Film Brings Opioid Crisis to the Silver Screen 24:46

6 years ago24:46

24:46

Four years ago, actor, writer, and Akron Ohio native, Jeremie Campbell, was unaware that the opioid crisis was continuing to ravage his hometown. Following his high school graduation, the former all-state football player left Akron for Hollywood. In part to pursue his acting career, landing roles in Spartan, Bicycle Dreams, and Dangerous Words from the Fearless, and to escape the tightening grip of opioids on his community. For a long time, it seemed Jeremie had escaped the epidemic. However, the situation got personal when he began losing his boyhood friends to opioid overdoes. Today, Jeremie’s back to develop and film his latest screenplay. A fictional story, inspired by his life experiences, about the very real impact of the opioid crisis on four friends from Akron, Ohio. Join us for today’s podcast, with special guest Jeremie Campbell, as he shares his dream to put Akron on the cinematic map, and use his voice to bring hope to the voiceless. If you want to get involved with this project, stay tuned to Mdifilm.com and email Video & Photography Company, Back To One Productions, at backtooneprods@gmail.com.…

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Ep. 261 - The True Cost of the Opioid Crisis 26:44

6 years ago26:44

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In August, a closely watched Oklahoma opioid trial concluded. Johnson & Johnson was found guilty of deceptive marketing practices and public nuisance, the judge awarded the state $572 Million to cover the first year of abatement. However, the judge later announced he had made a $107 million miscalculation. Instead of $572 million, the amount awarded to Oklahoma was actually $465 Million. The miscalculation brought an outcry among Oklahoma state attorneys, mental health specialists, and addiction experts. All claim that the true cost of the opioid crisis is much higher than $572 million, and will take at least 20 years to resolve. After this surprising announcement, we decided to try to answer the question: What are the latest cost estimates of the opioid crisis, and how do they correlate to the judgment awarded in Oklahoma? Our guests on today’s episode, Dale Hall and Dr. Christopher Ruhm, share the results of their research. Together, they detail the massive financial burden Big Pharma has placed on our country and break down the Judge’s award against Johnson & Johnson. Join us for today’s podcast with Dale Hall and Dr. Christopher Ruhm, to hear the true cost of the opioid crisis.…

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Ep. 260 - ResultsOhio: Funding Programs That Get Results 22:10

6 years ago22:10

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You wouldn’t pay for something without knowing what you were getting, but all too often, our tax dollars are spent on programs without accountability for results. With the new ResultsOhio initiative, led by state Treasurer Robert Sprague, Ohio is looking for data-backed solutions to guide its funding decisions for social and public health programs. As Ohio’s Treasurer of State, Robert Sprague manages the state’s $20 billion investment and $10 billion debt portfolios, collects and deposits all state revenues, and oversees custodial assets. Taking a collaborative approach to government-funded recovery, ResultsOhio focuses on collecting the best treatment ideas and supporting what gets results. Organizations are invited to pitch their best recovery projects for a chance to earn government funding. However, they must prove their project will get results. With the ResultsOhio initiative, organizations of every size, background, and sector, will have the chance to make meaningful change for those on the road to recovery. Join us for today’s podcast, where Treasurer Robert Sprague returns to share his innovative, “pay for success” recovery program, guided by data-driven results. While still in the process of creating a more detailed application, anybody that interested in more information can follow the link here, or contact Results Ohio at (614) 466-8557 or ResultsOHIO@tos.ohio.gov .…

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Ep. 259 - Unpacking The Settlement in The Ohio Bellwether MDL Case in Cleveland 24:27

6 years ago24:27

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On October 21st, just as a landmark opioid trial was about to begin, a $260 million settlement was reached. The deal negotiated between three major opioid distributors, one opioid manufacturer, and Cuyahoga and Summit Country Ohio, resulted in a combination of cash payouts, and donations of addiction treatments. The first of its kind, this case could become a settlement model for thousands of similar cases against the pharmaceutical industry. The details of the settlement are extremely dense. To help break them down, Andrew Pollis, Case Western Reserve professor of Law and friend of the podcast, is joining us to share his reaction to this week’s settlement news. Finally, we conclude today’s podcast by revisiting our op-ed collaboration about honoring the lives lost in the opioid epidemic with a settlement providing the best chance at long-term recovery for those in need. Join us on today’s podcast, as Andrew Pollis returns to share his insight into one of the opioid epidemics' most influential cases.…

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Ep. 258 - Saving Lives from Opioid Overdoses – Part 2: Innovations in Harm Reduction 31:24

6 years ago31:24

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Ep. 257 - Saving Lives from Opioid Overdoses - Part 1: The Naloxone Policy Discussion 33:19

6 years ago33:19

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As a regular listener of our podcast, you know that Naloxone can revive an unconscious overdose victim, and stabilize them until proper medical help arrives. 130 people die in our country every day from an opioid overdose, and many deaths could be prevented if Naloxone were more readily available. While first responders carry the life-saving drug, it’s not always possible for them to make it to overdose victims in time to save them. So, how can we get Naloxone to those who need it most? Many leaders, including the US Surgeon General, believe the answer lies in making Naloxone more readily available in our communities. In today’s podcast, we’ll examine the hurdles that stand in the way of making Naloxone ubiquitous in our communities and what’s being done to remove those hurdles. We’re excited to welcome Dr. Jeffrey Singer to lead our discussion. Dr. Singer is a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, the founder of Valley Surgical Clinics, and an expert on US Naloxone policy.…

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Ep. 256 - The Data Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You to Know – Part 2 33:45

6 years ago33:45

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This past August, we started our two-part series covering the public release of the ARCOS data, the DEA’s virtual roadmap to the opioid epidemic. Today, we finish that coverage with Washington Post Investigative Reporter Scott Higham. Scott is a Pulitzer Prize-winning member of The Post's investigations unit. Since joining The Post in 2000, he’s examined conflicts of interest on Capitol Hill, the origins of the opioid epidemic, and much more. With his expertise, Scott guides us through an in-depth look at the ARCOS data. We discuss what communities were hit the hardest, how this data was hidden from the public, and the people you never knew were involved. With so much information it can be difficult to pinpoint who’s responsible. Scott provides some much-needed clarity, but ultimately, only you can decide. Join us on today’s Podcast we breakdown the ARCOS data, the fight to get it released, and what it means for America.…

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Ep. 255 - David Siegel & The Opioid Pandemic- Part 2 28:18

6 years ago28:18

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Last time on the Cover2 Podcast, David Siegel, the CEO of Westgate Resorts, shared how the opioid epidemic changed his family forever when it took the life of his daughter Victoria. With a new purpose, David decided to tackle the pandemic head-on, meeting with several of our nation’s leaders responsible for solving the crisis. He quickly learned they weren’t close enough to the issue to make any real change. Shifting tactics, David took to traveling the country. He met with people struggling with addiction, and others in recovery, learning as much as he could about the epidemic from the front lines. He quickly became an expert in the field and took his fight to Congress, aiming to make rapid, meaningful change. In part two of this two-part series, David shares the story of what happened after he testified before congress. As you’ll hear, it didn’t take long for things to begin happening. Guided by an unparalleled sense of urgency, David’s mission to stop kids from using drugs before they start, took shape in less than a week. Join us for the conclusion of David Siegel’s story, as he shares his vision for a new, national prevention program he and his team will officially launch in Las Vegas Next Month. To learn how you can become a part of that change, visit the Victoria Siegel Foundation’s website. There you can find information on David Siegel’s new National prevention program, Victory Clubs, and it’s launch at his Gala at the Westgate Resort in Las Vegas on October 25th.…

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Ep. 254 - David Siegel & The Opioid Pandemic- Part 1 31:03

6 years ago31:03

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Since we began this podcast series three and a half years ago, we’ve met some amazing people doing incredible work, each making a difference in the opioid epidemic in their own way. Today’s guest is no exception. What sets him apart is the scope of his latest initiative and his sense of urgency in getting it done. David Siegel is the founder and CEO of West Gate Resorts, the largest timeshare business in the world. He and his family were featured in a reality show as they began building a 90,000 square foot home in Orlando Florida, just as the real estate market crashed. But nothing could prepare him for the impact it would have on his family, and oldest daughter Victoria. After losing Victoria to a drug overdose, David gave up running the day-to-day operations of his company, to dedicate his life to fighting the opioid crisis. He quickly learned that some of our leaders responsible for addressing this epidemic weren’t close enough to the issue to make any real change. David took to traveling the country, meeting with those struggling with addiction and people in recovery, to learn about the opioid epidemic from the front lines. He quickly became an expert in the field, ready to take the fight to Congress and make rapid, meaningful change. Join us for part one of our two-part series for David Siegel’s story and how his impact on the opioid epidemic can be felt throughout our country.…

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Ep. 253 - The Right Way to Spend Billions in Settlement Money 24:58

6 years ago24:58

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This Summer there’s been a great deal of news on the opioid lawsuit in Oklahoma and the MDL here in Cleveland. We’ve heard how communities and native tribes thought the country have suffered at the hands of the pharmaceutical industry, and now with the ruling against J&J in the Oklahoma trial for $572M and Purdue Pharma offering to settle for $12 Billion giving up their company, it appears it’s time to pay the piper. How that money will be spent is still unclear. We’ve been extremely fortunate to have met with many different voices in the opioid epidemic community. Thanks to their insight we thought we’d weigh-in on the debate for the best use of the settlement money. We didn’t just stake out claim on opinion, however. We made sure to do the research and calculations necessary for the best result. Of course, we couldn’t accomplish this on our own so we reached out to some of our featured guests for help. Together, with addiction treatment specialist Dr. Stephen Loyd, of Mountain Home Veterans Administration Medical Center, recovery expert Tom Stuber, President and CEO of Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, along with feedback from Center on Addiction Director of Health Law and Policy, Lindsey Vuolo, we collaborated on an op-ed published in USA Today, this September. Join us, as we cover our op-ed, the inspiration behind it, the creative process behind it, and our take on the best use for the 12 billion won in the Oklahoma settlement.…

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Ep. 252 - Introducing a Community of First Responders (Everyone Has a Role!) 7:35

6 years ago7:35

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First Responders have 6 minutes to make it to an overdose victim and begin administering life-saving Narcan. Sadly, that’s not always possible. The Community of First Responders Initiative is about making Narcan available in public spaces and linking Narcan Carriers with overdose victims while they wait for emergency responders to arrive. Each year on August 31st International Overdose Awareness Day is held to remember those lost to overdose deaths. Today, on the eve of the 2019 Overdose Awareness day, we’re delighted to release our CFR introduction video. A special thanks to our International visitors from Morocco, Mustafa and Samia and their entire team at Artcoustic Creative Studios. They generously donated their time and expertise to produce an exceptional explainer video to help promote CFR in communities across the country, saving lives with this innovative non-profit program. The following 3-minute track is the CFR video in its entirety. To watch it, go to www.CRF.HELP/INTRO. This summer, City of Green Mayor Gerard Neugebauer partnered with the Summit County Department of Health and Cover2 Resources to implement the country’s first CFR program. Implementation is a three-step process. Step 1. Installing stationary NaloxBox units in hotels along the Interstate High way and the Akron Canton Airport. Step 2. Training volunteers to administer Narcan to overdose victims, registering trained volunteers as Narcan Carriers, and distributing the life-saving drug to CFR members for free. Step 3. Registering Narcan Carriers and NaloxBoxes in the NaloxoFind app to create a network of Narcan and first responders equipped to administer aid within a two-mile radius of an overdose. To celebrate our progress, I invite you to share this podcast and video on social media, introduce as many people as you can to this program, and join us for the Barberton Ohio Labor Day Parade Monday, September 2nd. We’ll be there driving an enormous army truck with the Teamsters Local 21 and Travis Bornstein. Come out and Join Us at 16th Street Southwest, Barberton, OH. at 9:30 AM. Everyone has a role to play, so please, join the fight today and together we can save lives.…

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Ep. 251 - The Data Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You to Know - Part 1 33:09

6 years ago33:09

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On July 15th, DEA data covering 2006 to 2012 American opioid sales, was released to the public. The ARCOS data revealed the distribution path of every oxycodone and hydrocodone pill sold in America. A trail of opioids from manufacturers to distributors, to pharmacies, to patients. Undeniable evidence for their responsibility for the opioid crisis. Big Pharma didn’t hand this “smoking gun” for the opioid epidemic over easily. It wasn’t until the Charleston Gazette-Mail, and Washington Post prevailed in a fierce legal battle that ARCOS data was released. However, this was just one fight in a struggle that began long before knowledge of this crucial evidence existed. In part one of this two-part series covering the history of the ARCOS data, you’ll learn how an underdog journalist’s relentless pursuit of the truth succeeded, despite insurmountable odds. Our story begins with Patrick McGinley, and Suzanne Weise, lawyers and Professors of Law at West Virginia College of Law. Hired to help investigative journalist Eric Eyre gain access to DEA and Big Pharma court records, they’ve joined us to share their role in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Listen to today’s podcast for part one of our journey into the history of the ARCOS data. You'll learn how it was finally released, and why the DEA, Justice Department, and Big Pharma tried to hide this information from the public. Remember to tune in next week for part two, where we interview Washington Post Investigative Journalist Scott Higham. He shares his account of the battle over the ARCOS data and what we have learned from their analysis of a 380 million record database.…

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Ep. 250 - The FDA Missteps that Fueled Our Nation’s Health Crisis 42:19

6 years ago42:19

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Today’s guest, Dr. Andrew Kolodny, is an authority on the opioid epidemic. As a Senior Scientist and, Co-Director of Opioid Policy Research at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Dr. Kolodny has a deep-rooted interest in public health. He began his career working for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, helping develop and implement multiple programs to improve health and save the lives of New York City citizens. These initiatives included: city-wide buprenorphine programs, life-saving naloxone overdose prevention programs and emergency room-based screenings, and brief interventions and referrals to treatment (SBIRT) programs for alcohol and drug misuse. Using his expert knowledge and vast experience fighting the opioid epidemic, Dr. Kolodny guides us through the FDA’s missteps that helped fuel our nation’s worst health crisis in history. Join us on today’s podcast as we uncover the mistakes that helped perpetuate a growing opioid crisis and the missed opportunities to keep it in check.…

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Ep. 249 - The First Agency to Sound the Alarm. 28:52

6 years ago28:52

28:52

While many people in power ignored the mounting evidence of the Opioid Crisis, one leader refused to turn a blind eye. In 2009, fresh from seven years as NYC’s health commissioner, Dr. Tom Frieden was appointed a director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) by president Obama. Dr. Frieden immediately got to work and started by wading through eight-hundred-pages of Health Statistics Us. To say he was stunned by what he found is an understatement. The number of lives lost at the hands of opioids was comparable to that of AIDS in Africa, the 1918 influenza pandemic, or a war. Fifteen thousand people died from prescription painkiller overdoses in 2010 alone, and enough narcotics were prescribed to give every adult in America over a month’s worth of pills. One thing was clear. There weren’t just a few careless people dying of overdoses. America was facing an epidemic, and big pharma was pulling the strings. Today, Dr. Frieden joins us to share his insights from his watch as Director of the CDC and his perspective on the state of the opioid epidemic today. For the full story of America’s first real stand against the opioid epidemic, from the first leader to get it right, listen to today’s podcast.…

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Ep. 248 -Taking Recovery To The Streets 31:27

6 years ago31:27

31:27

About 21 million Americans struggle with addiction every day, yet only 10 percent receive treatment. While that percentage is unbelievably low, the reality is that traditional methods of aid are inaccessible for many people, even if addicts are ready for treatment. Fortunately, many organizations recognize this issue and are creating paths to make treatment more accessible. Two innovative programs that are literally taking treatment to the streets are Boston Massachusetts’ Care ZONE, an on-wheels overdose treatment facility, and New Jersey’s Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU), paramedics equipped with lifesaving Suboxone. To guide us through these innovative programs is returning guest Dr. Jessie Gaeta, the Chief Medical Officer for the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, and Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health. We first met Dr. Gaeta 3 years ago, when we discussed her Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment (SPOT) program. Today, she shares her insight into her latest project, Care ZONE, a mobile treatment facility helping to bring addiction treatment to those unable to visit treatment centers. Furthermore, Dr. Shereef Elnahal discusses the progress the MICU has made by adding of the gold-standard of opioid addiction treatment drugs, Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone), to their overdose recovery arsenal. Given these success stories, many people have argued that it’s time to relax our tight regulations on Suboxone prescriptions, and remove obstacles for recovery. In the meantime, programs like Boston’s Care ZONE and the New Jersey MICU paramedics, prove that outside-the-box solutions are crucial to progressing against the . For the full details of these revolutionary addiction treatment programs, listen to today’s podcast, and be sure to let us know what programs are making a difference in your home town, down in the comments.…

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Ep. 247 - The Corrupting Influence of Purdue: WHO knew? 28:50

6 years ago28:50

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As negative press continued to increase for Purdue Pharma and the opioid epidemic, their market in the US began to dwindle. Prescriptions for OxyContin fell more than 40% since 2010, equating to billions lost revenue. The company’s owners, the Sackler Family, started pursuing a new strategy. Go global through their international company Mundipharma, and put the pain killer that set off the US opioid crisis into medicine cabinets around the world.” On May 22 of this year, Congresswoman Katherine Clark and Congressman Hal Rodgers released a report titled, Corrupting Influence – Purdue and the World Health Organization. This report exposed the dangerous opioid manufacturer’s influence on the WHO, and the potential jeopardy they present to foreign nations and developing countries. Today, we’re joined by Guardian reporter and bestselling author of American Overdose, Chris McGreal, and Daily Caller Journalist, Evie Fordham. Together we discuss this report, its impact on the World Health Organization, and Purdue Pharma’s strategy to breach international markets at the cost of making opioid crisis a global epidemic. We’ll frame today’s episode by revisiting an interview from 2 years ago with LA Times Journalist, Harriett Ryan on an article she wrote titled “OxyContin goes global – We’re only just getting started”. Join us on today’s podcast for an in depth look at Purdue Pharma’s influence over the WHO and its attempts to spread OxyContin worldwide…

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Ep. 246 - Lost Lives Lead to New Prevention Programs 28:50

6 years ago28:50

28:50

In June of 2016, we sat down with Dr. Tom Gilson, the nationally known medical examiner from Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Hoping it might inform and help others, Dr. Gilson reviewed Sam McNeil’s report from the medical examiner of Palm Beach County. Today, we revisit that discussion and uncover how some communities, such as the Baltimore Department of Health, are studying overdose victims to discover new prevention strategies to impede the opioid epidemic. Also joining us today is Brittney Spencer, the Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Coordinator for the Maryland Department of Health. Ms. Spencer and her team have been fighting the opioid epidemic since 2014, researching the autopsy reports, treatment admission reports, police reports, and medical records of overdose victims to identify missed opportunities for prevention. This research helps the OFR collaborate with stakeholders to develop new programs for overdose prevention. These programs save lives and prevent substance use disorder in the future. The OFR team has learned much from studying the opioid epidemic’s effect on their community. Through their efforts, this one team from Baltimore provides the framework for strategies and programs such as Levels of Care, EMS Leave Behind, and LEAD. Together, these resources provide the necessary response tools to influence and impact the worst health crisis in our country’s history. Listen to today’s podcast for a detailed breakdown of Maryland’s impact against the opioid crisis, with Brittney Spencer.…

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Ep. 245 - Modern-day FDA, What’s New is Still Old 28:50

6 years ago28:50

28:50

In our three-part series with American Overdose author, Chris McGreal, we took an in-depth look at some of the policies and practices of the FDA that helped lead to our nation’s worst health crisis in history. During the series, I spoke with the former chair of the FDA advisory committee, who’s role is to review and advise on drugs under consideration for approval by the FDA. I was surprised by his responses to my questions, rejecting the notion that mistakes were made, despite the number of deaths the opioids approved during his tenure caused. My take away from this interview was that the FDA is stuck in an inflexible mindset, and has made no attempt to rectify the impact the opioid crisis has had on our country over the last twenty years. Unsettled, I decided to dig a little deeper to find out if my impressions were representative of the today’s FDA. To help me answer that question is Dr. Raeford Brown, who for the last five years has been the chair of the FDA’s anesthetic and analgesic drug products advisory committee. Listen to today’s podcast for insight into the FDA’s policies and practices from the inside, with Dr. Raeford Brown.…

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Ep. 244 – Profits Over People - Part 3: Big Pharma, “It’s the patients not the pills” 28:50

6 years ago28:50

28:50

When award-winning author Chris McGreal sat down to write American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts, he wanted to answer two questions. The first: How could the opioid crisis go on for nearly 20 years before it reached public awareness? The second: Why did the opioid crisis happen in America, and nowhere else in the world? We uncover the answers to these questions and more, as we conclude our series on American Overdose. Joining us today alongside author Chris McGreal are Congressman Hal Rodgers, and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Tom Frieden. Congressmen Rogers introduces us to Operation UNITE, Kentucky’s response to the opioid epidemic and Dr. Frieden reveals how the CDC sounded the alarm over the opioid crisis, while the rest of our government neglected to act. What does this mean for the future of America, it’s policies and politics? How can we reform the medical industry? Is the end of the opioid crisis in sight? Listen to today’s podcast for the comprehensive conclusion of our American Overdose discussion, with bestselling author Chris McGreal.…

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Ep. 243 – Profits Over People – Part 2: Industry Influence and Intrigue 28:50

6 years ago28:50

28:50

To many, how and why the opioid epidemic came about remains a mystery. How did these dangerous and addictive substances earn approval for distribution? Why were these drugs approved if they were clearly so addictive and dangerous? Why has our legal system taken so long to react to a crisis that began in the early 2000s? We continue uncovering the answers to those questions in the second episode in our three-part series on American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts, with award-winning author Chris McGreal. Together, we uncover the extent of the pharmaceutical industry’s influence over the FDA, the drug approval process, and Congress. With special commentary from the former chair of the FDA advisory committee, Dr. Nathaniel Katz, former California Congresswoman Mary Bono, the former attorney general of West Virginia Judge Darrell McGraw, and Kentucky Congressman Hal Rogers, we walkthrough congress’ early actions against deceptive pharmaceutical practices, as our nation’s worst health crisis emerged. Listen to today’s podcast for Part 2 of our American Overdose discussion, with bestselling author Chris McGreal.…

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Ep. 242 – Profits Over People: FDA Opioid Drug Approvals, with Author Chris McGreal 28:49

6 years ago28:49