Podcasts about addiction services

June 19, 2026- State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham reflects on new federal overdose data and reviews initiatives in the state budget.

June 5, 2026 - We examine the top line spending on combatting the opioid epidemic in the recently adopted state budget with Rob Kent, former general counsel at the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports. We also consider regulatory reform to improve the state's capacity.

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack CW: Topics that some listeners may find upsetting. Editors note: We had an issue with Sam's mic, but this is an important conversation. Please listen. In this episode the lads chatted to Alex Bunting, Group Director of Care & Support (Mental Health & Addiction Services) at Inspire. Alex talked about his passion for helping people with addiction and mental health issues and the need to address the long-term impact of the Troubles on divided communities in Belfast. We chatted about the "psychological terror" and feeling of being unsafe, and what people lived with during the conflict and Alex's experience of his own father being seriously injured in an IRA bomb. If you want to find out more about the work of Inspire: https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/ If you are in distress and need help with any of the issues raised in this episode: https://www.lifelinehelpline.info/ Latest Shrapnel with Rev Chris Hudson: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156421373

Just about everyone has a story to tell when seeking or using mental health, healthcare, justice, or addiction The post Public and professionals invited to share stories related to healthcare, mental health, addiction services in Northumberland appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Peterborough group offer affordable mental health services for Northumberland starting next week Peer support worker and recovery advocate shares personal story to help youth and others in Northumberland Mental health and addiction treatment plan gathers dust

Consultant Psychiatrist, Head of Addiction Services at St John Of God University Hospital and Clinical Professor at UCD's School of Medicine Professor Colin O'Gara speaks to Sean about growing up in Cork in a family steeped in rugby. He shares how he spends his time now advocating for those in the fight against addiction.

Feb. 25, 2026- State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham addresses marijuana and sports gambling addictions, explains how the state wants to treat New Yorkers with co-occurring disorders, and responds to concerns about the speed of spending funds secured from opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Gov. Kathy Hochul officially announced her running mate in her reelection bid for governor: former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Assembly Member Brian Cunningham (D - Central Brooklyn) discussed his legislative priorities for the year - from protecting New Yorkers homeowners to faith-based housing and securing funding for SUNY Downstate. New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham provides a glimpse into the work of the agency and alcohol addiction rates in the state. After 23 years in the Legislature, Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay announced he's stepping down as leader and won't be seeking reelection from his district.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

New research from the ESRI has shown that people who gambled as children are almost twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling when they become adults. So what is Problem Gambling, and how are children being drawn into the world of gambling? To discuss this, Ciara was joinedby the Head of Addiction Services at Saint John of God Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD, Colin O'Gara.

This episode originally aired in 2025. Dry January is a month-long campaign that revolves around cutting out alcohol or reducing alcohol intake for the month of January. Today’s guests say that life without alcohol can be joyous, and they’re creating spaces for the sober and sober curious to try it out. We talk to two owners of sober spaces in our state, and try out some mocktails they’ll bring to share. We also hear how our relationship with alcohol is changing overall. Research shows that Gen Z is becoming the sober generation. Here's a list of the mocktails sampled in this episode: Ghia - Le Spritz Sumac and Chili Athletic Brewing Company - Wits Peak Saint Viviana Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc Odyssey Elixir - Dragon Fruit Lemonade Three Spirits Livener GUESTS: Dr. J Craig Allen MD: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare Frances McGrath: Founder of Reframe: A Dry Spot in Willimantic Bobbi Malateseta: Creator of 3-2-1 No Kidding Sober Space and Bottle Shop in Naugatuck Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan. 15, 2026- New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham makes the case for New Yorkers to drink less alcohol and gives an update on efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

Professor Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital, on football world governing body FIFA's move to stream World Cup matches on gambling websites.

Dr. Zoe Swithenbank, a senior research associate at Lancaster University, delves into her work at the intersection of mental health, addiction, and public health. Zoe's research focuses on treatment pathways for individuals with alcohol use and mental health challenges. She highlights the structural barriers in accessing care and the need for long-term support in smoking cessation, which is often not included in core treatment services. Zoe advocates for a more integrated approach to addiction and mental health services, emphasizing the role of lived experience in shaping effective interventions. Her work also explores the social norms around smoking within recovery communities and the importance of empowering individuals to make choices that support their recovery journey.00:00 Introducing Dr. Zoe Swithenbank02:18 The Role of Smoking Cessation in Recovery08:55 Barriers in Addiction and Mental Health Care11:55 The Intersection of Mental Health and Addiction25:19 Qualitative Research in Addiction Studies33:57 Navigating Diverse Perspectives in Qualitative Research37:00 Balancing Scientific Rigor with Human Experience40:10 Understanding Service Provider Perspectives42:52 Challenging Stigma in Addiction and Mental Health49:40 Rethinking Smoking Cessation Outcomes50:42 Long-Term Studies in Substance Use Treatment54:30 Future Directions in Research and Service DeliverySupport the showSupport us and reach out!https://smoothbrainsociety.comhttps://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSocietyInstagram: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTikTok: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTwitter/X: @SmoothBrainSocFacebook: @thesmoothbrainsocietyMerch and all other links: Linktreeemail: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com

Our conversation now turns to a growing public health and law enforcement concern here in Ireland — the rise of synthetic opioids on our streets and what authorities believe is a significantly increasing threat.   A new report from Forensic Science Ireland highlights the emergence of multiple new synthetic opioid substances, some far more potent than heroin, and a dramatic increase in large seizures of these drugs.   At a time when policymakers globally are also reframing how they tackle synthetic opioids — including a recent U.S. executive order that controversially declared fentanyl a “weapon of mass destruction” — we're joined by Professor Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St. John of God University Hospital, Stillorgan, Dublin and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin (UCD). 

The HSE is warning of high-strength MDMA in circulation this Christmas. MDMA is a synthetic drug also known as Ecstasy. Highly potent versions of the drug have been linked to several deaths. Rachel was joined by Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services.

The panel is joined by Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St John of God University Hospital.

Professor Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital, discusses the reasons behind a rise in addictive practices such as gambling, video gaming and excessive internet use in Ireland.

There's been a sharp rise in addictive behaviors like gambling, gaming, endless scrolling, and overspending. That's the warning today from the St John of God Research Foundation's annual conference. All to discuss with Professor Colin O' Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD.

November 6, 2025- If necessity is the mother of invention, could a tight state budget year lead to some creative ideas for doing more without spending more? That's what's being pitched for the delivery of addiction services in New York by Rob Kent, former counsel at the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

In 2018, 33-year-old Ryan Bode Moriarty died of a heroin overdose. He was a musician, artist and T-shirt designer. He created linoleum block carvings, and would print all his shirt designs by hand. After his death, Ryan's mother, Patricia Bode, found one of his linoleum blocks carved with the words "Remember Love." This discovery inspired the Remember Love Recovery Project and sent Bode on a mission to destigmatize addiction. It's a mission of vital urgency. After months of steady declines, overdose deaths in America are now on the rise. During National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month, we hear from those working to destigmatize addiction and get harm reduction tools into the community. Has addiction impacted you or someone you love? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Patricia Bode: Associate Professor and Coordinator of Art Education at Southern Connecticut State University. She is also the founder and president the Remember Love Recovery Project Justin Phillips: Chief Executive Officer of the Overdose Lifeline Dr. J Craig Allen: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE's National Clinical Lead on Addiction Services

This episode features Dr. Dan Schatz, Medical Director of Addiction Services at NYC Health + Hospitals, discussing how the city's largest public health system provides comprehensive, low-threshold addiction care. Dr. Schatz shares strategies to reduce stigma, support recovery, and train staff to deliver trauma-informed, patient-centered care.

Has cocaine become completely normalised?A new report published by the Department of Health has highlighted that cocaine users are now older and better educated than ever before. The typical cocaine user is changing as older people embrace the party drug.For more on this, Seán is joined by Professor Colin O'Gara, Addiction Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St. John of God Hospital…

Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services in St John of God Hospital and Clinical professor of Psychiatry at UCD. discusses gambling inducements with Claire.

A new study from the Economic and Social Research Institute has found that offers like free bets and money-back guarantees from gambling companies convince people to place more bets, leaving punters at risk of gambling addiction.Dr Diarmaid Ó Ceallaigh, Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the ESRI Behavioural Research Unit and Professor Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St. John Of God Hospital spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

July 2, 2025 - New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Division of Criminal Justice Associate Commissioner Rabiah Gaynor talks about a recent visit to a Westchester County Jail program serving people behind bars with substance abuse and mental health conditions.

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE's National Clinical Lead on Addiction Services

New York drug overdose deaths and death rates are on the decline, but with significant disparities and the current, toxic drug supply is partially to blame. Harmful additives like fentanyl analogues, xylazine and medetomidine, among others, have been found in cocaine, heroin, MDMA and pressed into pills. Additives are undetectable by sight, taste and smell which increases the risk of overdose for people who use and may not be aware of what's in their drug supply. This episode features Drs. Sharon Stancliff and Jennifer Love discussing additives commonly found in the New York State supply, including BTMPS, fentanyl analogues, medetomidine, nitazenes and an updates on xylazine. Related Content:  New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Clinical Guidelines Program for Substance Use Care: https://www.suguidelinesnys.org/ New York State Department of Health Drug Checking Program: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/consumers/prevention/oduh/drug_checking.htm New York City Department of Health Drug Checking Program: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/alcohol-and-drug-use-services.page New York City Department of Health. Setting Up a Drug-checking Program: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementation. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/basas/drug-checking-program-implementation-guide.pdf https://legislativeanalysis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BTMPS-Fact-Sheet-FINAL.pdf Friedman, JR, et al. (2025) The detection of xylazine in Tijuana, Mexico: Triangulating drug checking and clinical urine testing data. J Addict Med. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001474 Krotulski, AJ, et al. (2024) Medetomidine Rapidly Proliferating Across USA — Implicated In Recreational Opioid Drug Supply & Causing Overdose Outbreaks, Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, United States. Available from https://www.cfsre.org/images/content/reports/public_alerts/Public_Alert_Medetomidine_052024.pdf New York Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) Program. Request test strips (for xylazine and fentanyl). Available from: https://mattersnetwork.org/request-test-strips/ New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Harm Reduction Delivered (online order for xylazine and fentanyl test strips). Available from: https://oasas.ny.gov/harm-reduction-delivered NEXT Distro. Ordering Supplies (for safer drug use). Available from: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-q8tfEZXfdhbIF9DPpN9--BeEYoYdxU1Iw0x4BZBLIktGqQ/viewform CEI Clinical Consultation Line 1-866-637-2342 A toll-free service for NYS clinicians offering real-time clinical consultations with specialists on HIV, sexual health, hepatitis C, and drug user health. ceitraining.org

June 9, 2025 - In light of drug overdose deaths declining from 2023 to 2024, we explore what's driving the change with Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner for the State Office of Addiction Services & Supports. We talk about harm reduction strategies, opioid settlement funds, and addressing the risk of stimulants.

Addiction is often misunderstood, but at NYC Health + Hospitals, treatment is rooted in compassion, community, and  care.On this episode of The Remedy, host Dr. Michael Shen is joined by Dr. Dan Schatz, Medical Director of Addiction Services, and Sasha Ashton, Director of Addiction Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County in Brooklyn. Together, they explore how NYC Health + Hospitals is treating substance use disorder with a comprehensive,  approach—whether someone walks into an emergency room, seeks help at a methadone clinic, or connects through community outreach.They discuss the devastating rise of fentanyl in the drug supply, the role of peer support in recovery, and how stigma continues to prevent many New Yorkers from seeking care. Sasha and Dr. Schatz also talk about the importance of offering flexible, harm-reduction-based treatment options, from walk-in care and bridge clinics to sober social spaces that include dance parties.The episode also highlights innovative programs that  support pregnant and postpartum patients, and the upcoming RISE Center in the South Bronx, which will offer integrated services for families impacted by addiction.With real-life stories of transformation and a deep understanding of what success in recovery can look like, this conversation offers hope and a powerful reminder that healing starts with respect and trust.Listen to the full episode now.Follow UsTwitter @NYCHealthSystemFacebook @NYCHealthSystemInstagram @NYCHealthSystemLinkedIn @NYC Health + Hospitals YouTube @NYCHealthSystem Related Links:Substance UseServices WebpagePress Release on SUD Clinic for Expecting and Parenting FamiliesPress Release on Support for Opioid Prevention (see section on NYC H+H)Presented by NYC Health + Hospitalswww.NYCHealthAndHospitals.org

Host TJ takes listeners live to the State Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut for Recovery Day. The event features an array of voices, including State Representative Robin Comey, Senator Saud Anwar, and Representatives Patrick Biggins and Devin Kearney, among others, who share their personal stories and legislative efforts to support individuals in recovery. Key discussions include the importance of removing the stigma associated with addiction, the potential benefits of Overdose Prevention Centers, and the need for robust community support and resources. The episode highlights the interconnected nature of recovery, community well-being, and legislative advocacy, emphasizing that recovery is a journey that involves everyone. Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 180 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast00:26 State Representative Robin Comey's Personal Recovery Journey02:54 Senator Saud Anwar on Overdose Prevention07:18 Patrick Biggins on Youth and Recovery08:43 Students for Recovery: Advocacy and Support11:29 Taylor Aitken on Legislative Support for Recovery13:47 Mike Pohl on Community Recovery Efforts17:42 State Representative Devin Kearney on the Importance of Recovery18:39 State Representative Toni Walker on Embracing Recovery21:46 Stacy Sharpentier on Funding and Recovery Support23:56 Conclusion and Resources for Recovery ----Across the Web----

Professor Mary Canon, Professor of psychiatric epidemiology and youth mental health at the RSCSI and Professor Colin O'Gara, Addiction Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St. John of God Hospital

What makes addiction treatment truly effective? Behavioral scientist Charles Neighbors, MBA, PhD, shares groundbreaking research on the importance of therapeutic relationships, harm reduction, and human connection—love!—in treating substance use disorders. Dr. Neighbors is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Population Health, and Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Conor Gallagher, Security and Crime Correspondent, Irish Times and Prof Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services, St John of God Hospital discuss the findings of an EU-wide study that found Ireland was second only to the Netherlands in terms of ecstasy use among young people.Press play on this page to catch the full conversation.

Is the state really weighing whether to hire more cops or healthcare professionals? In a recent report in the Hartford Courant, it shows that overtime costs are in the tens of millions in multiple departments. The highest amounts were in the state prison system, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and state police. But now, lawmakers are debating hiring practices to cut overtime costs. We spoke with State Senator Jeff Gordon, a member of both the Appropriations and the Public Safety Committees.  Image Credit: Getty Images 

Linda Nelson Murray, Fine Gael Senator; Conor Sheehan, Labour TD for Limerick City; Professor Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services in St John of God Hospital; Sarah Burns, Reporter with The Irish Times; Claire Donegan, Empower Her Project Lead; Erin McEvoy, Lecturer in Marketing at the Ulster Business School

Linda Nelson Murray, Fine Gael Senator; Conor Sheehan, Labour TD for Limerick City; Professor Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services in St John of God Hospital; Sarah Burns, Reporter with The Irish Times; Claire Donegan, Empower Her Project Lead; Erin McEvoy, Lecturer in Marketing at the Ulster Business School

Professor Eamon Keenan, working group member & HSE National Clinical lead for Addiction Services, discusses the over-prescription of drugs like benzodiazepines.

Feb. 28, 2025 - New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham talks about standardizing care at halfway houses, funding for drug recovery and treatment in the governor's budget, and the impact of the prison strike on substance abuse treatment in correctional facilities.

Dr Maire Finn, GP Ashley Duane, Pharmacist Prof. Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services in St John of God Hospital and Clinical professor of Psychiatry at UCD

Dry January is a month-long campaign that revolves around cutting out alcohol or reducing alcohol intake for the month of January. Today’s guests say that life without alcohol can be joyous, and they’re creating spaces for the sober and sober curious to try it out. We talk to two owners of sober spaces in our state, and try out some mocktails they’ll bring to share. We also hear how our relationship with alcohol is changing overall. Research shows that Gen Z is becoming the sober generation. GUESTS: Dr. J Craig Allen MD: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare Frances McGrath: Founder of Reframe: A Dry Spot in Willimantic Bobbi Malateseta: Creator of 3-2-1 No Kidding Sober Space and Bottle Shop in Naugatuck Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special New Year's edition of 20-Minute Health Talk, host Sandra Lindsay, RN, welcomes Jaclene Jason, PhD, clinical psychologist and senior director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Services at South Oaks Hospital, to reflect on the delightful wisdom shared by kids in Northwell Health's latest TV commercial,A Little Wisdom. From embracing play to reframing fear, these young voices remind us how simple shifts in perspective can lead to a healthier, happier 2025. Dr. Jason reacts to their advice and offers practical tips to help parents embrace these ideas, fostering wellness and joy for the whole family.   About Northwell Health Northwell Health is New York State's largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, 850 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We're making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities. Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.  Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.  For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities.   Facebook –   / northwellhealth   Instagram -   / northwellhealth   X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth

About the Guest(s):Heather Meehan is an experienced Resource Coordinator with the New York Unified Court System, working primarily in Steuben County. Heather's professional journey in the substance use disorder field began in 2006, shortly after obtaining her bachelor's degree in psychology from Alfred University. She is a licensed CASAC with years of experience stemming from working as a counselor in different levels of treatment settings, and most recently, has taken that experience to work in the court setting.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of Money Roots, host Amy Irvine welcomes Heather Meehan, her sister-in-law and a dedicated Resource Coordinator, to explore career paths within the realm of substance use disorder. This episode delves into the rewarding yet challenging aspects of working in addiction therapy, while offering listeners an insightful look into what it means to be a Resource Coordinator in the court setting. Heather shares her career trajectory, personal motivations, and the impact that her work has had on individuals and society.As the conversation unfolds, Heather discusses the steps involved in becoming a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC) and the continuous learning required to maintain this credential. The dialogue further explores the transformative power of addiction therapy not only on the individuals who receive treatment but also on their families and communities. Throughout the episode, the financial implications of addiction and recovery are highlighted, along with the significant advantages that recovery brings in terms of personal and societal health. Heather's experiences make a compelling case for those interested in pursuing a career in this vital field.Key Takeaways:Addiction therapy is a challenging yet rewarding profession that requires empathy, dedication, and continuous education.Heather emphasizes the importance of a non-judgmental approach to counseling, focusing on helping clients recognize their positive qualities and potential for change.Becoming a credentialed substance abuse counselor (CASAC) involves rigorous training hours, supervision, and testing.The financial implications of addiction are significant, and successful recovery can lead to improved personal and societal productivity.The episode encourages those interested in career transitions to explore addiction therapy and provides resources for getting started in the SUD (substance use disorder) field.Notable Quotes:"Just because they have an addiction or a substance use problem, it doesn't mean they're not good people and they're not worth a better life." – Heather Meehan"Nobody would ever want to choose to be an addict or an alcoholic or a person with a substance use disorder." – Heather Meehan"Anytime you're working with people that are considered a vulnerable population, you need to be on your best game." – Heather MeehanResources:OASAS.NY.gov – New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports website for accessing addiction treatment resources and credentialing information.Samhsa.gov - Informational website for SUD and mental health treatment.Listeners are encouraged to delve into this enlightening episode to gain a deeper understanding of the field of addiction therapy and the transformative impact it can have. Be sure to subscribe to Money Roots for more insightful discussions and resources aimed at helping you thrive financially and personally.

Eddie Mullins, CEO, Merchants Quay Ireland and Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE's National Clinical Lead on Addiction Services

Professor Colin O'Gara, Addiction Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St. John of God Hospital

Andrew O'Grady has been the CEO of Mental Health America of Dutchess County (MHADC) since 2012, also overseeing Addiction Services (formerly MARC). He began his journey with MHA over 20 years ago, helping to transition case management services from Dutchess County. A dedicated social worker with a background in behavioral health and administration, he is proud to lead an agency that makes a significant impact. Andrew is also a sponsor for Season 4 of the RED podcast.Today, we sit down for an amazing interview with Andrew O'Grady, where he delves into the impactful work of Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County. He shares insights on the importance of mental health advocacy and how MHA supports individuals through comprehensive mental health services and addiction programs. Andrew emphasizes the agency's role in community outreach, crisis intervention, and support systems, highlighting the growing need for mental health awareness in today's society. His passion for creating meaningful change is evident throughout the discussion.

Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital in Dublin and Clinical Professor of Physiatry at UCD, reacts to the latest data from the Health Research Board on drug-related deaths and gives an overview of today's current trends when it comes to drug use.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Dr. Melissa Caldwell, President of Freedom Behavioral Health, Inc., and Josh Young, Director of Behavioral Health and Outreach Services, who both highlight the organization that is part of the Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. family and recently was recognized as a 2024 Torch Award winner in the Extra Large Company Category with the BBB Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. Freedom Behavioral Health, Inc. provides comprehensive solutions and evidence-based programming for a broad range of behavioral health issues. They work with individuals and facilities, as well as the professionals that work with acute populations, like First Responders, Healthcare, Law Enforcement, and Detentions/Corrections. Services include Correctional Behavioral Health Services, Occupational Health Services, Training, Diversion: Recidivism Reduction, Addiction Services, Telemental Health Services, Forensic Evaluation, Consultation, and Accreditation and Standards Compliance Auditing.During the interview, Dr. Caldwell and Mr. Young discuss the importance of their work and the impact it has on saving lives. They talk about their team's focus on Professionalism, Integrity, and Commitment, and their MOLE interview method to help empower each other and their clients. They also talk about ways they support nonprofits, like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and why receiving the 2024 Torch Award is so meaningful.Visit www.freedom-bh.com to learn more about Freedom Behavioral Health, Inc. and www.advancedch.com to learn more about Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc.

Chad Duncan is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has dedicated over 20 years to serving the community through Frontier Health. A proud graduate of East Tennessee State University with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Social Work, Chad has held various roles throughout his career, working with individuals of all ages. His extensive background in direct care, coupled with his leadership in overseeing numerous mental health and addiction programs, has positioned him as a key figure in the field. Currently, as the Senior Director of Outpatient Addiction Services, Chad leads efforts to provide essential support and treatment for those battling addiction, offering hope and guidance to countless individuals in need.

Sept. 3, 2024 - With opportunities to gamble in New York seemingly growing every year, we check in with Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner of the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports, to learn what the Hochul administration is doing to address problem gambling.