The Local Lens

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.In our previous episode, we started to learn about Franklin County's Just Say Yes program (listen to that episode here). In this episode, we're going into the "why" behind it all, both in Frankfort's Just Say Yes program and in any form of public work.We don't shy away from theory, we talk about intentions and having our actions match our intentions, we talk about what justifies government spending. It's a can of worms, and it's likely our final episode. Welcome to it, folks. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Read more about the Icelandic Prevention Model: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/01/teens-drugs-iceland/513668/Learn more about Yes Arts here: https://yesarts.org/just-say-yesAlso, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Iceland seems to have found a way to substantially reduce teen substance use. In fact, they flipped from having the worst rates in Europe to the best rates of teen substance use in less than two decades. What lies at the base of this approach? Well, that's what we're here to figure out today.Amelia Berry, from the Franklin County Health Department, joins the show to tell us about not only the Icelandic Prevention Model, but also the program she is helping to run using that model: Just Say Yes. There are so many details to cover on this topic, so strap in and sponge up. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Click the link here for Part 2 of our conversation with Amelia Berry: Read more about the Icelandic Prevention Model: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/01/teens-drugs-iceland/513668/Learn more about Yes Arts here: https://yesarts.org/just-say-yesAlso, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Among the many problems facing Eastern Kentuckians, one of the most foundational is the lack of consistent job opportunities. The lack of income and structure a job provides compounds with several other issues that make it pretty difficult to maintain a desired life. For people in active addiction or in recovery, the effects of either having or not having a job are multiplied, as we've heard countless times over the course of The Local Lens.The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) has been helping all Kentuckians find employment for years, but now they have launched a new program designed specifically for people in recovery. The Strategic Initiative for Transformational Employment (SITE) is designed to help connect people in recovery who are looking to launch careers with the employers around our state looking to fill openings. Their approach takes time and effort -- they hope to get people into a dream career with a full, bright future, not just the first job available. SITE works with people to find something they can be excited about, something they can rally behind. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Learn more about the EKCEP SITE program with this link: https://www.ekcep.org/siteListen to another episode of ours featuring Brittany Kegley with AppHarvest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1668655/10844528-appharvest-brittany-kegley-and-patrick-bryant Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews."Wellness" is a term that has gained more prominence in the healthcare world over the years. Today, as we find ourselves in the middle of both mental health and overdose crises, it is as apparent as ever the need to provide enough resources for both mental and physical health. In Stanton, KY, we have a new addition to the list of healthcare providers: Raven Rock Health and Wellness.Heather Deel from Raven Rock joins the show to give us the rundown of what they offer and why it's needed. Their services cover nearly all of a patient's health needs, and the case managers on board handle adjacent needs. We also discuss a bit of what it's like to launch a new healthcare center today. Any way you look at it, there is a lot to learn from Raven Rock.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Contact Raven Rock by phone: (606) 775-0515 or on their website: https://www.ravenrockhw.com/Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Robert Childs joins us for a second round of conversation (click here to hear Part 1). This time, we focus heavily on changing policy. We want the law of our land to encourage good outcomes, making it easy and obvious how people can live healthier. We would like to state that Robert's comments express only his own self and beliefs -- he does not represent any organizations in this interview.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Learn more about model law here: https://legislativeanalysis.org/model-laws/Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.When it comes to taking effective action, there aren't many people more knowledgable than Robert Childs. He seems to have made a habit of seeing what needs to be done and making sure it happens. He has been around the country doing this work and has been active in setting up laws to allow and encourage progress.In this conversation, Childs catches us up on what has been happening and what is coming in harm reduction. He shares some lessons of how to make a real difference and do the right thing, whether it is legal or not. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Stay tuned for Part 2 of this conversation!Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.A story has more power than we may realize. Just being able to hear and relate to someone else's life experiences can give us the motivation we need to make it another day. This episode's guest fully understands this power.Andrew Hager joins us in the studio to tell us about his own life and how he works to share other people's stories, as well. His podcast, Andrew Hager Live, reaches thousands of folks around the country. Blameless Children, an event he has helped launch, lets hundreds of people gather to support kids raised in households hit by addiction.He is one of our generation's torch-bearers. He holds the microphone and operates the spotlight. He is helping us all feel the power of a story. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Check out Andrew Hager Live on Facebook!Keep your eyes out for the Blameless Children event in the summertime! Visit their website for more information.Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Everyone is influenced by their environment. People tend to reflect what is around them. For people in recovery, you hope your environment is one that will build you up, support you, and help you keep your momentum. One place to find this environment is in a sober living house.This week, we are taking a look at sober living houses. We've been joined by our friends Edna and Jeremy Thompson (listen to their stories here), who have just opened Redemption House, their own sober living house. We look at why these houses are necessary, what their operation will be like,  and why we need lots of these all over the place.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.If you want to contact Redemption House, whether it's to learn more, donate, volunteer, or even move in, here is some information for you:Phone: (606) 386-6855 eMail: jthompson@redemptionservices.netPhysical Address: 3047 Cane Ridge Road, Little Rock, KYMailing Address: PO Box 751, Clay City, KY 40312Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.This episode features Van Ingram, the executive director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy for the past 18 years. He has been a part of many of the progressive pushes toward freedom from addiction our state has seen. A lot has been accomplished, but in his own words, "there is still a lot of work to do." Topics flow from the history of the epidemic, "Recovery Ready Communities," criminal justice, and especially some nudges in the right direction for the future. We cover syringe exchanges, fentanyl test strips, and the balance of proactivity and using evidence-based practices. We also get to briefly cover the massive $483-million-dollar lump of money from the Johnson and Johnson settlement.This man has been around since the beginning of our state's notable efforts to curb the opioid epidemic. The perspective he adds to our collage of a show is one that zooms all the way out, covering the big picture (at least for Kentucky). These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Mentioned EpisodesJennell Brewer - Founder of SPARK MinistriesHow It Works - Lt. Jimmy Daniels - Mount Sterling Police DepartmentThe True Roots of Recovery - Part One - Dr. Alex ElswickJarrett Rose and Brad Epperson - The Role of the Court SystemMentioned Data Source:Harm reduction measures employed by people using opioids with suspected fentanyl exposure in Boston, Baltimore, and ProvidenceAlso, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357)Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInst

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.We're all familiar with the "drugs and rock and roll" trope, but many know how unsustainable that really is. Instead of that, we're taking a look at recovery and music in this episode.The Local Lens is joined by Estill County musicians Jen Richardson and Aaron Boyd to talk about how songwriting and recovery work together in their lives. We also get to touch on their own music careers, their inspirations, and some projects in the works. We also had the chance to do a quick live recording after the interview. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Look into Hollerbilly's line-up here: https://hollerbilly.com/Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Imagine this: you are a prosecutor for the state. You are known for being one of the toughest judges on drug offenses. Your career is going as well as anyone could ask. Then, you find out your daughter has developed an addiction to opiates. How do you respond?Judge Linda Davis responded by fighting the entire system for the sake of her daughter. Judge Davis has been going to bat for people struggling with Substance Use Disorder for years, and her work is paying off.This interview with Judge Davis gives us a look into her world, showcasing her thinking, motivation, and her Michigan-based nonprofit organization: Families Against Narcotics. She argues that we should change our whole approach, centered around equally using data and compassion.How could we do that? Well, listen to find out. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Want to see more about Families Against Narcotics? Use this link.Want to join an online family support group? Use this link.Listen to these episodes about families:Rebuilding a Family - Misty and Carlie Dehart Nar-Anon Support Group - Part 1Here is a link to a mentioned episode about Jail Re-Entry:First Day ForwardAlso, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.The Estill County Recovery Rally is happening Friday, Oct. 21, 2022 from 5-8 PM at the Estill County Fairgrounds (38 South Irvine Road, Irvine).  It is a free event full of several remarkable speakers, musicians, information booths, games for kids,  and more. We recorded this episode to help promote that event, but also to get to know two of the organizers: Jessica Winchester and Jenn Richardson. Jess is a peer support specialist, Jenn is a musician in recovery. In the episode, we don't really have a set topic of conversation. Basically, we're just getting to know these people. We're seeing glimpses into the lives of a couple people who were willing to invite us in. At the end of the day, isn't that what this is all about?Hopefully you're getting to hear this before Oct. 21. If not, we believe this episode is still worth a listen. If so, look forward to hearing from these people at the ECRR:Trena StockerSheriff Chris FlynnMisty Dehart (Click here to hear one of our episodes with Misty)Jessica Winchester (From this episode!)Jenn Richardson (Also from this episode!)Andrew HagerWes ShippPaula Adams (Click here to hear our episode with Paula)Pat BaileyAaron Boyd (Who has an episode coming soon)For more information on the festival, click here or call 606-726-8204.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.These interviews have been with people from all around addiction: law enforcement, nurse practitioners, family members, and especially people in recovery. After over 60 episodes, we have looked at addiction from a pretty wide spread of angles. In this episode, we are trying to put it all together.We want our listeners to be able to hold all of the different perspectives in mind when we consider substance abuse. We want to be able to see it from more than just our own perspective. This episode features our host, Nate Brooks, trying to do this. While doing that, he walks us through some of the biggest lessons he has learned from running the show.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.After over 60 interviews, we have seen how important the Peer Support Specialist is. The job is important to people struggling with addiction, it is important to the person who gets to work as a PSS, and it is important to the whole community. Peer Support Specialists tie all the efforts of harm reduction together. They connect healthcare to the people who need healthcare. They build trust between groups that, historically, have never had trust.In this episode, we have compiled bits from our past catalogue to summarize the incredible work and importance of Peer Support Specialists. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Also, while you're here, help us out by taking this quick survey!24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.There is a chase happening in the world of chemistry. The list of drugs and chemicals being abused is growing so fast that no one can truly keep up. We are all aware of fentanyl at this point, but what most people do not realize is that fentanyl is an umbrella-term for a whole category of drugs. The terrifying fact is this: most people are unaware of the chemical mixtures out there. If someone thinks they are taking a Xanax pill, it could very easily be a counterfeit pill made with 5 different kinds of fentanyl. It is nearly impossible for anyone to know exactly what drugs and chemicals they are buying or selling. One place that can tell what is in a drug is the Kentucky State Police's forensic lab. On this episode, chemist Rebecca Stone tells us about the changing drug landscape from a chemical perspective. This science-heavy episode is not meant to bring a level of understanding, but just a basic awareness of what is out there. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.The hospital is a place no one wants to visit. A hospital can be a place of reckoning, especially in the instance of overdoses. Some hospitals are catching on and are looking to provide more effective care in these situations. In this case, King's Daughters Hospital in Ashland, KY is having peer support specialists from Pathways to be there, ready to connect with people in the wake of their moments of crisis.Richard Penick is one of these peer support specialists, and he is back for a second episode to share his work in the emergency department of the hospital. One of the main functions of his job is to connect the people he meets to the web of services available, helping people to achieve a full wraparound of treatment.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.You can hear more of Richard's backstory with here.Richard is employed by Pathways, you can find them online at https://www.pathways-ky.org/ or reach them by phone at 606-324-1141.24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Richard Penick is helping bring recovery to the hospital. He spends some of his time working in the Emergency Department at King's Daughters Hospital in Ashland, KY. His main function there is simply to meet with people during moments of crisis, after receiving some emergency service. He is offering ways out of the messy and dangerous life many of the visitors know well. He can offer this because he has been there, too.In this episode, we are getting to know Richard Penick. The next episode in our series will be hearing about his involvement at the hospital. This guy is a testament to resiliency. We are lucky to have him as an example of as, in his own words, resurrection of life. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Richard is employed by Pathways, you can find them online at https://www.pathways-ky.org/ or reach them by phone at 606-324-1141.24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-562 8909Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.AppHarvest is one of the premier new companies in Kentucky, selling their produce in a growing number of places. You can find their tomatoes in Kroger, Costco, and on a sandwich at Wendy's. This company is an image of success in eastern Kentucky. However, that isn't why we wanted to interview them. AppHarvest is one of the leading second-chance employers in the state. They are helping usher in a new era of employment, one that supports the workers available. They are hiring people with criminal records and histories of substance abuse, two sets of the population who have always been discarded as employees. What's more is they are realizing that these second-chance employees are outperforming the average employee and are contributing a great deal to the success of the company. In many ways, it seems like this company is simply investing in the workers available in the area, which is commonly known as the best practice in building an exceptional company.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.This is all done with the help of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) and the Employment Resource Network - Kentucky (ERN-KY). The Kentucky Fair Chance Academy through the state Chamber of Commerce has also assisted and is available to other companies interested in following this lead. Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.On this episode, our guests have conducted their own interviews with county inmates across Northeastern Kentucky. What they have heard over and over again is this: they aren't being offered anything that will help their situation improve. They are being held a while, then are released back into a world where they don't have any of the resources needed to start a more stable life, and then eventually are arrested again before seeing anything change for themselves.Many people say the jail has a revolving door, cycling the same people in and out for years, never really correcting any underlying issues. How can we break this cycle? This week, our guests are working on it.First Day Forward is a project ran by the Northeastern Kentucky Substance Use Response Coalition that is helping people leave jail with a plan, and sticking around for the journey after release. The program is based on the results from the interviews they conducted with inmates. In this episode, we learn about this program and even more about the issues faced by people as they re-enter society after incarceration.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Mentioned episodes:In the Jailhouse Now - Neal Hamilton and David HowardFrom Crisis to Career - Will Arvin and Brandon HillTo learn more about First Day Forward, visit their website.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.The Powell County Detention Center is the home of many bad memories for many people. In these walls, people often experience the lowest nights and months of their lives. This is the setting of misery, of desperation. People are aware of this, too. The workers know that jail is no way to get to the root of problems.What is needed to improve this jail experience? What would help us turn corners and make improvements? According to Neal Hamilton and David Howard, the Chief Deputy of the jail and the program director of our Substance Abuse Program, we have an incredible shortage of services. In this episode, we are going in the jailhouse to see what the struggles and limitations of the jail are. It seems like the people want to be doing more to help the inmates, but their hands are often tied and overburdened. It feels like this is the final net public services can use before people fall through the cracks. Hopefully, this episode doesn't come across as anything other than informative. The issues talked about here are much larger and more complicated than any single individual can change. If we want to improve this situation, we have to work together. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Drub abuse has plenty of negative effects on our region, but one of the most recognizable is on our workforce. A lot of people end up letting their drug usage overpower their desire to work and handle responsibilities, which leaves a significant shortage in the economy. Even after the addiction is addressed, many people still have more convictions than work experience. Considering how many people around here have had substance use disorder, this seems to be a pretty big issue. Shouldn't we be addressing this?Well, someone is. Kentucky Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) is using funds from the US Department of Labor to run the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities Project. This project is aimed at training people in recovery for a spread of jobs, some working in the harm reduction field and some not. They plan to begin this project in the Summer of 2022 throughout Eastern Kentucky, helping to train hundreds of people to join the workforce once again.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Mentioned Episodes:Reaching People with Felicia BowlingA Married Couple of Peer Support Specialists - Jeremy and Edna ThompsonTo learn more about Kentucky RHIO's Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities Project, visit their website.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Reaching people is a tricky thing to do. This is simply one of the biggest challenges in harm reduction. Still, once health departments and service providers finally reach the people they're trying to help, having an actual connection is found to be even more difficult. Felicia Bowling is the answer. Felicia is as a community health worker and peer support specialist. Her job is to look out for the general health of the entire community, especially as the health is effected by addiction. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.People end up going to treatment for all kinds of reasons, but this one might be the best: Ale-8 and cigarettes. All James Oney wanted was to get out of his jail cell so he could enjoy Kentucky's favorite soft drink and ciggy in the sunshine, and Morehead Inspiration Center was willing to offer that.Offering treatment as an alternative to jail time is proving to be a life-changing practice, and it makes sense. You wouldn't expect people to choose to go to an around-the-clock facility on their own, where their freedoms are limited and people are monitoring them. Some people will only choose treatment as an alternative to jail time, and that's alright.If you give people a chance and reason to change, they might.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Need help now? Call the 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060Contact Mountain Comprehensive Care at 606-886-8572 or online at https://www.mtcomp.org/Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.In nearly every business, people are the most valuable assets of the company. Having the right person in the right role is essential to success, no matter what you're trying to do. In this episode, we're interviewing someone who is undoubtably in the right role.Wendy Anderson is a Peer Support Specialist for S.P.A.R.K. Ministries in Stanton, KY. She spends a couple days a week helping at the Syringe Exchange Program, meeting with people who are actively using drugs and showing them alternatives.We're talking about the connection point that the Syringe Exchange provides. We're talking about the importance of a kind person. We're talking about giving people the option of turning their lives around. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Contact S.P.A.R.K. Ministries at (606) 344-4103or find them online at http://www.kyspark.org/contact.htmlKeep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Homelessness is one of the most prolific problems we see today, even in rural Kentucky. Homelessness can overlap with several other issues, like domestic violence, mental illness, or substance abuse. Being homeless is also a bit of a quick-sand pit -- once you're in it, it can be very difficult to escape. In this episode, we're joined by someone who helped start the Powell Homeless Coalition in 2020 in Clay City, KY: Oshia Haddix. We talk about what homelessness looks like, what some of the hurdles of running this service are, and why people are hesitant to support these kinds of services.The overlap between substance abuse and homelessness is significant. In this episode, we get to see some of the ways these issues, and ways to improve these, is approached in rural Kentucky.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.To contact, volunteer for, or donate to Powell Homeless Coalition, you can contact Oshia on her cell phone: 606-481-0420You can find their feeding program at:115 5th Avenue, Clay City, KY (across from Full Gospel Lighthouse)Donations should be made out to: PO Box 304Clay City, KY 40312Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Several of our past guests that are in recovery have been through the drug court program, which is a specialty court ran by the government. It is an alternative to going to jail, and it requires a lot of cooperation from the participants. Essentially, if you can show that you are trying to recover, you can stay out of jail. On this episode, we are interviewing two people who help with drug court in Montgomery County: Angie Gregory and April Smith. This is part two of our previous conversation with these two ladies -- listen to the first part about the Jail Education Program with this link.At the very least, drug court is important for us to cover because so many people use it. In this episode, April and Angie are going to walk us through how it works.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Mentioned Episodes:Jarrett Rose and Brad Epperson - The Role of the Court System Jordan Shuler - The People Around You Bill Helton - One Man's StoryKeep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.For people arrested on drug charges, jail provides a unique opportunity: they have to stay in one place. People are kept in a place where they can actually sober up and be reached. This episode takes a look at what happens during this period. Many of our past guests have said they started finding recovery while in jail, seeing that as a time that the fog cleared. This clearing provides caregivers with a chance to catch people and help them make sure they don't end up back in jail someday.Angie Gregory and April Smith join our show to tell us a bit about why this time is important and what is being done to make as much impact as we can.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.The police have a role to play in this drug epidemic. Lt. Jimmy Daniels tells us in this episode that policing cannot be the only thing done to curb the overdoses, but it is an important part. If you've heard many of our past episodes, you know that run-ins with the police lead a lot of people to recovery. Our guest this week brings 18 years of policing experience to our show. We aren't focusing much on any of the heart or theory behind what happens, we are simply talking about what actually happens.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.A mother, a daughter, and a friend. In this episode, we're talking about turning points. We're talking about what it's like to see people around you desperately needing a turning point of their own, and what happens if they don't find one. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Medicine has a rocky history with addiction. Many of us are well aware of the harm done by pharmaceutical companies, as they reintroduced us to opiates. This has led to a hesitancy to trust medicine. This episode is aiming to lower that hesitancy. Eastern Kentucky Recovery, along with many other providers, uses medicine as a tool to help people see clearly and break the continuous grip addiction has on the mind. We talk about what specific medicines are used for in this process.The medical field is continuously progressing. There is a portion of people working in this field that are truly here to help. It is unfortunate, but in some cases, medicine is necessary in keeping addictions at bay. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Listen to our first episode at Eastern Kentucky Recovery with this link.Mentioned and Related Episodes: Someone Who Knows - Brenda Drennen from Shepherd's Shelter/Ross RehabDr. Kassis with Dr. Kennon - The Medicine and Science of AddictionDr. Alex Elswick - The True Roots of Recovery - Part OneDr. Alex Elswick - The True Roots of Recovery - Part TwoScott Seitz - A Holistic ApproachFind Eastern Kentucky Recovery:475 Shoppers DrWinchester, KY 40391Phone: (859) 355-5010Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.We are visiting Eastern Kentucky Recovery in this episode to take a look behind the scenes of an intensive out-patient program. People needing treatment might come here for care after going through the initial steps of recovery at an in-patient facility. This out-patient program allows people to come receive treatment and return home at the end of the day.We are welcoming Tracy Fryman, founder of Central Kentucky Recovery and Eastern Kentucky Care. She is joined by Scott Seitz, who has been a guest on a previous episode. This episode covers several learning topics, including the effects of Hepatitis C, the importance of building relationships with patients in medical care, and how medicine can be used to effectively improve living conditions. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Mentioned and Related Episodes: Scott Seitz - A Holistic ApproachSomeone Who Knows - Brenda Drennen from Shepherd's Shelter/Ross RehabFind Eastern Kentucky Recovery:475 Shoppers DrWinchester, KY 40391Phone: (859) 355-5010Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.This week, our guest has seen addiction in her personal and professional life. She currently works in Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab as the in-house nurse practitioner. She is also a mother to three children who have all struggled with addiction. Brenda Drennen is truly someone who knows addiction. She knows the weight it has on people effected by it, she knows the health implications, and she knows how necessary it is to receive quality care.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Hear our other episodes at Shepherd's Shelter: People ChangeThe Natural Progression of a RehabContact Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab:https://shepherdsshelter.com/Phone: (859) 498-7111Email: info@shepherdsshelter.comAddress: 236 Bridgett Dr, Mt Sterling, KY 40353Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Putting people in jail cannot be all we do to combat drug abuse. We've trying that for decades -- it doesn't work. We also can't be afraid to change our approaches once we see we are failing.  We are hearing from a couple this week who have learned, through trial and error, a better way to reach people. Here's a spoiler: it's all about caring.The founders of Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab, Pastor Wayne and Momma Jeanette Ross, join the show to tell us about their program. After two decades, they have seen changes to the addiction landscape, as well as how they provide treatment. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Hear our other episode with Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab with this link: People Change - Inside Shepherd's Shelter/Ross RehabContact Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab:https://shepherdsshelter.com/Phone: (859) 498-7111Email: info@shepherdsshelter.comAddress: 236 Bridgett Dr, Mt Sterling, KY 40353Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.One perspective we have not yet explored on this show is one from inside a rehab program. We have spoken to people who work closely with rehabs, even people who have been through rehabs, but never anyone who is currently there. Until now.On this episode, we are inside Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab in Mount Sterling, KY interviewing a couple guys in the program and one of the peer support specialists there. Our conversation weaves through how they got here, what their expectations were, what the program is like, and especially how they feel about reentering every-day life. This is our first of three episodes in Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab, a place that has proven its value and effectiveness in our region. Keep your eye out for the other two episodes, which will be following this one. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Hear our other episode with Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab here:The Natural Progression of a Rehab - with Pastor Wayne and Jeanette Ross from Shepherd's Shelter/Ross RehabContact Shepherd's Shelter/Ross Rehab:https://shepherdsshelter.com/Phone: (859) 498-7111Email: info@shepherdsshelter.comAddress: 236 Bridgett Dr, Mt Sterling, KY 40353Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Tabitha and Tony Barrett are a bridge between two long-separated communities in Mount Sterling, KY: the government and the people who use drugs. As two people in recovery themselves, they are leading an organization dedicated to pulling other people out of addiction and putting them back in society.The results of this have been notable. People are gaining back their responsibilities, returning to their families, and adding to the overall goodness of Montgomery County because of the work of RMC. In this episode, we're talking about what they do and why it's important. We also get a look at what the role of your every-day citizen is in this fight. Having a community that is recovery-ready is a responsibility shared by all of us. We are all involved, so we better start acting like it.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do. Contact Recovery Montgomery County:Email: recoverymontgomerycounty@gmail.comDay Phone: 859-520-9023After Hours Phone: 859-274-2049Address: 8 Court Street, Mount Sterling, KYMentioned Episodes:Jenell Brewer of SPARK Ministries: https://youtu.be/Yme-5L3d2hYA Doctor in the Senate - Ralph AlvaradoKeep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.This episode features Brandon Hill from Addiction Recovery Care, a large treatment organization based in Louisa, KY. Brandon, himself, has been through ARC's program and is now a leader of the company. In this episode, we talk about how Brandon found sobriety for himself and how he is now helping many others do the same. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do. To hear more about ARC, check out our previous episode with Brandon Hill and Will Arvin where we dive into ARC's Crisis to Career program.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Over the course of running The Local Lens, we have heard plenty of people speak about how important having structure is to their recovery (Misty DeHart and Joshua Jones, to name a couple). In our previous episode, Will Arvin does the same.  An interesting detail of Will's comments on work, though, is job training was actually a part of his recovery program. Will went through Addiction Recovery Care's (ARC) Crisis to Career program. They address one of the largest challenges: getting convicted felons back into the workforce. To help us learn more about second chance employment and what ARC does to help, we brought on a second guest: Brandon Hill.Brandon Hill is (at the time of the interview) the deputy chief of staff, and is in long-term recovery, himself. In this episode, we get to hear from two people who have lived through the turnaround and have both experienced how vital employment is to their new lives. Employment does so much for people in recovery. Immediately, it gives people a way to spend their time -- something to focus on. The job also gives a income that will support an independent life. More than anything else, though, a job gives people a sense of worth. It shows people there is potential for a better, brighter future, and that is the goal of ARC. From their website, “We create opportunities for people to discover hope and live their God-given destiny.”These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Will Arvin may as well be a rodeo cowboy. His story has enough twists, jerks and turns to rattle anybody. All that experience will change a person, and he is now in a position to try changing quite a few people.Will joins the show to tell his story, which hints on all kinds of long-standing problems of addiction and recovery. Will takes us from use in adolescent boredom, through jail, and into the near-impossible world of employment. This man has proved his resiliency and is giving hope to anyone willing to receive it.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Shauna Staton has been working in the region as a first responder for 18 years, starting as a firefighter, then with the EMS, and now adding dispatching to the list. Stints spent working in this field rarely exceed 5 years, so she has pulled plenty of lessons from her 15 years. In the interview, we uncover some crossover between addiction and EMS work: mental health. We talk about how untreated mental health issues can lead to much worse problems down the road.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Rob Williams has been working in the police force in this region since the mid 1980's. Over the course of his career, he has learned that drug abuse is the root of roughly 90% of the crime in our area. At some point, he changed his approach. He figured that if drug abuse is causing most of our crime, the best way to lower crime is to lower the drug abuse.The best practice for keeping crime low may be to give people better chances to live healthy lives. Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.S.P.A.R.K. Ministries is a very active nonprofit based in Stanton, KY that is dedicated to helping people live in recovery. Each year, they hold a Recovery Rally to celebrate the resilient people who have made it through addiction and help other people who are starting their own fights against the disease. In this week's episode of The Local Lens, we go into this year's rally to capture the event.We've interviewed 7 different people in this episode to find out why they think this rally is important to them. The overwhelming and natural theme of the day is "hope..." everyone talked about hope. It seems to be about letting everyone else know they're not alone. If there's anyone we should be listening to about recovery, it's the people who have done it. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Call S.P.A.R.K. with this number: (606) 344-4103Mentioned Episodes:Jenell Brewer of S.P.A.R.K. MinistriesLois Goodwin - The ChaseThe True Roots of Recovery - Part One - Dr. Alex ElswickGet Tabatha Wilson's book, "Guilt, Hurt, Shame, but Not Defeat." Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.This episode is Part Two of our conversation with Alex Elswick. To put it briefly, Elswick became addicted to prescription opiates and heroine, then was homeless a while, then started recovery, then became a professor at UK, and at some point cofounded a nonprofit in Lexington (Voices of Hope).His experiences have shaped his philosophies and approach to recovery, and in this episode, we dig deep into these. His ideas center around one key point: he is where he is now because of his privilege and access to resources. Nowadays, his goal is to extend this advantage to anyone who wants it.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Mentioned Episodes:Krista Newton - Taking a Hard Look BackPaula Adams - The Effects on the FamilyKeep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Our guest for this episode is Alex Elswick. To put it briefly, Elswick became addicted to prescription opiates and heroine, then was homeless a while, then started recovery, then became a professor at UK, and at some point cofounded a nonprofit in Lexington (Voices of Hope).Thankfully, we get to hear more of his story directly from him. In part one of this two-part series with Dr. Elswick, we focus on getting to know the experiences that have shaped his approach to recovery. In part two, we get more into some surprising realities of recovery.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Jordan Shuler comes on board to tell his story in this episode. Jordan was a teammate of our host, Nate Brooks, throughout middle and high school in Powell County. In the interview, they talk about how Jordan's addiction began, where he's at now, and what got him through it all. The common theme that arose from the conversation is how involved other people had been throughout his addiction. Jordan's story ties in a web of people. Luckily, he made his way into a group that helped him along his recovery. He is now a peer support specialist for SPARK Ministries and Mountain Comprehensive Care and is extending the same helping hand he received. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Mentioned episodes:Jeremy and Edna Thompson - A Married Couple of Peer Support SpecialistsJenell Brewer - Founder of SPARK MinistriesKeep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.There is nearly an endless amount of roles to be played in the fight against addiction - Ralph Alvarado certainly plays an interesting one.He is a physician, practicing internal medicine and pediatrics. He is also a Kentucky State Senator for the 28th district (Montgomery, Clark and part of Fayette County). He is also the medical director for Isaiah House, a regional recovery center.So, we have a doctor who cares about addiction treatment in the senate. This is important for several reasons, but most notably for what it means for health policy in our state. If we're going to see real progress in the health of our communities, we have to have policy that supports recovery. In this episode, we explore some of the challenges of healthcare and how addiction treatment fits into the wider medical world.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Mentioned episodes:Jenell Brewer - Founder of SPARK MinistriesScott Seitz - A Holistic ApproachKeep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Carlie Dehart did many years of growing up with a fraction of a mother. Misty Dehart may not have meant to leave Carlie, but Carlie was left. from ages 3-14, Misty wasn't around. Once Misty returned, she was in long-term recovery and ready to start being a mother.It wasn't easy. As an outsider, it is shocking and sobering to hear about their experience reuniting. However, both of them would proudly tell you now that things have changed. The two grew closer than they imagined they could have. After the fact, there seems to be an appreciation you can only have when you've been without. In this episode of The Local Lens, Misty and Carlie join us to share their experience and thoughts. It's hard to hear, but in Misty's words, "it's good, though. We're healing."These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Listen to our other episode with Misty:Structure, Support, and Small Compromises - Misty DehartKeep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.This week, we are once again joined by three members of a Nar-Anon support group in Richmond, KY who are all from Irvine: Marti Hackworth, Rebecca Wolfinbarger and Laura Helvey. This is the second part of our conversation, in which we learn their responses to their family's battles with addiction. If you've not yet heard Part One, you can listen to that here. In this episode, we get to hear about the importance of advocacy. Laura Helvey runs the SPARK Ministries office in Richmond - all three are strong advocates for recovery. Our goal is for everyone in our region to become advocates like this without having to have the lived experience they have, and this comes through empathy.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Paula Adams, a guest on a previous episode, is also a member of this group, though she could not attend the interview. You can still go back and hear her whole story here.We also mention the Recovery Wagon in this episode, which is a group that will help folks get help when they need it. Check out their Facebook page here. Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.This week, we are joined on the show by three members of a Nar-Anon support group in Richmond, KY who are all from Irvine: Marti Hackworth, Rebecca Wolfinbarger and Laura Helvey. Paula Adams, a guest on a previous episode, is also a member of this group, though she could not attend the interview. You can listen to her episode here. This is, in fact, part one of a two-part episode with these ladies. We spend part one getting a background on each of the women and learning about the importance of support. Each of them had a child who suffered from SUD, but they teach us that even they had a need for recovery as mothers. One of the main takeaways is that plenty of people are hurt by just one addiction, and it is a lot easier to get by with the help of some loving friends around you. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Sheila and Jimmie Wise offer an incredible perspective as a married couple. They claim that they eat, breathe and sleep EMS, which means they deal with the drug epidemic around the clock and calendar. The three of us go into some of thee harder aspects of the public service, and point out some of the shortfalls of existing programs like the Syringe Exchange and the availability of Narcan. In a sentence, our point is that these are not the final step, but they are an important part of the puzzle. Their lives revolve around serving their community to the best of their ability. The stakes are high in their line of work, so I believe it's safe to assume they take this seriously and have given it some thought. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Jimmie Wise has actually recorded another episode with us, which you can listen to with this link.Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Krista Newton comes onto the show as hard as a wrecking ball. We start by jumping to the first time she used at the age of 12 and work through the years, thoughts and feelings together. We talk about her life structure, her role in her family, and her place in the community. The peer support specialist from Mountain Comprehensive Care never shies away from any questions, even the uncomfortable ones. The only hesitations given are her ensuring she's giving us an honest look. These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.We also included a fun bit about Orange is the New Black as some extra content at the end of the episode for all you streamers. Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.Jerrica Brandenburg is a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor from Irvine, KY, and she claims to have "alternative" thoughts on this subject. She seems to focus on why people use drugs, and how that can lead us to a solution. You may be surprised to hear some of her ideas, but you cannot deny her involvement. We bring her on the show to talk about some of the areas she's involved in, especially Camp Mariposa, camp for kids from homes effected by addiction.Camp Mariposa is for kids aged 9-12, with options to be a mentor for 18+ or to be a junior mentor for the ages between. If you are interested in attending or know someone who is, contact Briana.gilford@westcare.com or call 1-865-214-2544.These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.Mentioned Episodes:Scott Seitz - A Holistic ApproachA Ted Talk! Rat ParkKeep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).Find Powell County CARES on social media:https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycaresInstagram: @powellcountycares