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Back in 2015, The White House confirmed that the opioid epidemic cost America around $504 billion. Employees with pain medication use disorder cost organizations more than three times the average worker. This has caused a new crisis to emerge in today’s economy. There aren’t enough workers who are able to pass a drug test to fill all of the available openings. Other than the skyrocketing cost of employee healthcare, absenteeism and high turnover rates have also plagued companies throughout America. Today’s podcast, Greg meets with Kathleen Herath, AVP of Well-Being and Safety at Nationwide Insurance. They are also joined by Robert Hardin-Leeth, Director of Safety to discuss employee wellness and the Nationwide Substance-Free Workplace Program. The program offers two different perspectives; monitoring and education. This includes not only random drug testing, but also counseling and intervention. Listen for more details on how Nationwide maintains a safe work environment, while also getting employees the tre

Almost every single American has been impacted by the opioid crisis. Whether it’s a friend, loved one or our own personal struggle with addiction, the epidemic has affected millions in this nation. The book "American Fix" is a sort-of memoir of Ryan Hampton’s struggle with opioid abuse and his journey. Hampton is a National Addiction Recovery Advocate, as well as a former White House staffer who has dedicated his life to exposing and ending this crisis. In “American Fix,” Hampton calls for political leaders to rise up and take a firm stance on opioids and even challenges politicians to make a pledge to address this issue. He also touches on the Facing Addiction Across America Project, where Hampton himself documented his own travels across the country in which he visited various regions that were severely hit by the epidemic. Check out some of these programs that Hampton has partnered with, such as Rise Together, Rebel Recovery and also Indigo Life out of Dayton, OH. For this podcast, Greg joins Hampton a

Since the birth of the U.S. Attorney’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force, there have been many advancements in the fight against opioid abuse. One of their many achievements is the availability of Narcan and making it more widespread throughout communities. Also, law enforcement has developed new protocols for booking drug traffickers and hospitals have furthered education with their physicians in an attempt to change prescribing practices. In this second half of this two-part series, Greg continues to share highlights from the conference that was held in Cleveland on September 6th called “Opioids: A Crisis Still Facing Our Entire Community” and discusses the progress of The Northeast Ohio Hospital Opioid Consortium. Listen to today’s podcast to learn more about the innovative programs that are making a difference in the opioid epidemic here in Northeast Ohio.

In late 2013, many of Northeast Ohio’s leading institutions joined forces to formulate a Community Action Plan, a document to serve as a master plan for communities as they move forward in their fight against the opioid epidemic. The Action Plan was divided into four categories which eventually morphed into four subcommittees: Education and Prevention, Healthcare Policy and Treatment; Law Enforcement; and Data and Analysis. This group that formulated the Action Plan continued to meet every month as part of what became known as the U.S. Attorney’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force. In the first episode of this two part series, Greg shares highlights from the conference that was held in Cleveland on September 6th called “Opioids: A Crisis Still Facing Our Entire Community” where the group reconvened to review their progress and revise the Community Action Plan. Listen to today’s podcast to learn about the innovative programs that are making a difference in the opioid epidemic here in Northeast Ohio.

A common misconception among drug and alcohol addiction is that abusers typically live in poor or lower-middle-class neighborhoods. Part of the reason is that people tend to associate drug and alcohol addiction with financial stress, lack of treatment resources and insufficient education on substance abuse. However, recent studies have shown this is not the case. The addiction statistics actually increase among higher-income neighborhoods, although many don’t want to acknowledge it as an epidemic happening right in their own neighborhoods. In July of 2017, a group of 30 community leaders in Hudson, OH joined forces to tackle the opioid epidemic head-on and answer these difficult questions. Led by leaders of the Hudson Community Foundation and members of Hudson Community First, the group formed a new organization called Drug Safe Hudson to bring about community awareness. Drug Safe Hudson exists to improve opportunities for citizens living in Hudson, OH that are battling addiction. For this week’s podcast, G

One of the major contributing factors to the opioid epidemic has been linked to the over-prescribing of opioids for pain relief. Treatment methods, such as chiropractic care, have been offered in many states as an alternative to prescribing opioids. Chiropractors practicing in Ohio participated in a recent survey regarding coverage from Ohio’s largest payers. The results were alarming. According to the statistics, both public and private payers favor opioid prescriptions over alternative treatments, which can very well contribute to the ongoing epidemic. Greg is joined by Dr. Aaron McMichael and Dr. Vern Saboe on this podcast and the three discuss alternative pain methods and why it is vital to get insurance companies behind non-drug treatments. The state of Oregon recently revised their guidelines after many successfully lobbied to get these larger healthcare payers to extend their coverage to non-pharmacologic methods. Hear how alternative pain treatment can be a key component to lessen the dependency on

Completing over 200 podcasts, Cover2 Resources has had many fascinating guests over the years who represent organizations and programs that are making a difference fighting the opioid crisis. Whether these organizations use the judicial system, personalized treatment or support groups, they are designed to bring hope to those suffering from addiction and start them down the path of recovery. In this episode, we look back at various podcasts that discuss a variety of treatment programs and methods. Many are finding innovative new ways to reach more victims of opioid abuse and encourage them down the path of recovery. Listen to this special collaboration of podcasts that speak on Drug Courts, Quick Response Teams, harm-reduction programs, treatment locating websites, support groups and even innovative technology that can successfully share patient data. With these tools and the passion of those behind the programs, we can help make a difference in the opioid epidemic. Thank you, our devoted listeners, for tun

We’ve profiled many programs on our series that are designed to get people into treatment for substance use disorder. We’ve done episodes on QRT teams in Colerain Ohio, the DART program in Toledo, the PAARI program from Gloucester, Massachusetts, Safe Stations in Manchester, New Hampshire and AnchorED in Providence, Rhode Island. The goal of each of these programs is to get people get into treatment. But what if they’re not ready? Today Greg interviews Brendan Cox, the Director of Policing Strategies for LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion), a program that begins before someone is ready for treatment. L.E.A.D offers multiple support services, including transitional housing or even drug treatment, to offenders to get them on a guided path towards behavioral change. This form of treatment is in response to various public health issues, such as untreated mental illness, addiction, poverty and homelessness. In loosening the dependence on the justice system, programs such as LEAD have increased the effectiv

The impact of the opioid epidemic continues to change faces and affect our nation. One area that has been devastated by the crisis specifically is corporate America. With the economy growing, it has been a struggle to fill all the available positions with qualified candidates who can pass a drug test. An organization in Richmond, Indiana has taken a new approach to this issue. In February 2018, Belden, Inc. launched an innovative new work program to offer treatment to applicants who initially failed the drug screening process. The Belden program Pathways to Employment assists participants in a personalized drug rehabilitation program that leads to an employment opportunity once the program is completed. This helps support each individual through their treatment and encourages a lifestyle of sobriety. Joining Greg to discuss the story and launch of Pathways is Doug Brenneke and Leah Tate of Belden. Hear how innovative programs, such as Pathways to Employment, are changing lives and establishing a future for

In the second half of 2016, the opioid epidemic ravaged Northeast Ohio as bad as anywhere in the country. It was said that 130 Summit County residents per week sought help after overdosing. On this podcast, Greg met with Raynard Packard, founder of the Packard Institute. Launching in 2007, the aim of the Packard Institute was to change the shape and form of recovery. Packard grew tired of the failing treatment plans that facilities provide for their patients. These traditional programs follow the same outlined treatment for everyone and being a recovering addict himself, Packard knew why these plans often failed. Recognizing each person’s unique needs and struggles, the approach of the Packard Institute is to customize treatment based on the individual. This model integrates family, community and a tribe into the recovery journey to help support each person and ensure their success.

Mercy Health serves communities in Ohio and Kentucky, two of the top five states for overdose rates in the nation. And last year was the worst on record for opioid overdose deaths in Hamilton County, where Mercy Health is headquartered. But the tide may be turning. When it became clear that treating, stabilizing and releasing overdose victims who came to their ED wasn’t working, Mercy Health decided to make some wholesale changes to their approach to addressing addiction as a healthcare provider and they’re beginning to see the payoff. In this podcast, Greg talks with leaders from Mercy Health to learn about their new approach to helping those struggling with substance use disorder through a program they rolled out system-wide by the name of the Mercy Health Addiction Treatment Collaborative. Joining Greg on this podcast are Dr. Navdeep Kang, Mercy Health Director of Operations for Behavioral Health Services in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Larry Graham, President of Behavioral Health at Mercy Health and the co-

It is estimated that there are currently between 35,000-50,000 active online drug sellers today. Many of these companies are even selling medication without requiring an evaluation from a physician. The World Health Organization has cited that 50% of all online prescription medication is actually counterfeit and is even sold by websites that hide their physical address. Counterfeiting pharmaceutical drugs is a public safety threat that affects us on a global scale and is estimated to be worth roughly $75 billion. Patients that have purchased unsafe medicine from any of these illegitimate sources have been harmed, and in some cases killed. For this week’s podcast, Greg spoke with Marjorie Clifton, Executive Director of the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies. Founded in 2011, this diverse group of internet service providers and technology companies have taken on the global fight against selling illegitimate medication over the internet. Hear how this crisis has even spread to the “dark web” and is threatenin

Previously on the Cover2 Podcast, we discussed the article “Meet the ‘Kratom Warriors’ Who Say This Plant Will End the Opioid Epidemic” written by Azeen Ghorayshi. She discusses Kratom and the way that former users have turned to it to help curb withdrawal symptoms and stay clean on the journey to sobriety. Outlined in the article is Courtney True, a user of over 27 years, who turned to Kratom in an effort to battle her addiction to opioids. True credits her recovery, and her family’s recovery to using this plant. Join Greg and Courtney as they discuss the benefits of using Kratom on the steps to recovery and find out how many have turned to this herb in an attempt to fight addiction. Hear how many, including Courtney and her loved ones, have turned their lives around by incorporating Kratom into their everyday lives.

An article surfaced on Buzzfeed News last month on Kratom, a substance that former drug users have adopted in order to curb cravings and get off opioids. It has been trending in the news and developed a following online. Some claim it is a safer alternative to opioids and that it is a “natural herb.” Unfortunately, there are still many unknowns about this substance. Long-term effects are still unclear and the possibility of it being banned by the FDA have come up in the discussion. Greg was joined by Azeen Ghorayshi, BuzzFeed News Reporter. Ghorayshi authored the article “Meet the ‘Kratom Warriors’ Who Say This Plant Will End the Opioid Epidemic.” The two discuss the history of Kratom, its components and the ongoing debate of if it can be used as a safer alternative.

We’ve all heard the statistics that 64,000 people lost their lives to drug addiction in 2016. It is extremely startling considering that this is more than guns, HIV infection and automobile accidents. These same statistics have been used to shape a narrative in America that over prescribing opioids is the primary cause of the opioid epidemic. But what if these statistics are wrong and the laws restricting opioid prescribing practices are making matters worse rather than helping to solve the problem. Greg’s guest today is a scientist who picks data apart that concluded the evidence does not support the conclusions and policies driven to address the opioid epidemic. Dr. Josh Bloom joins him to discuss the concerns of the data being skewed. Dr. Bloom is the Director of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences at the American Council on Science & Health. Bloom believes the 64,000 statistic is flawed and there are other factors at play in the opioid crisis.

Addiction can happen to anyone regardless of class, upbringing and environment. It is a battle that can ravage communities, as well as families. Last November, an article written by Retired Admiral James Winnefeld spoke on the effects of the opioid epidemic and how it has personally impacted his life. His article entitled “No Family Is Safe from This Epidemic” tells the story of Admiral Winnefeld’s son Jonathon and his battle with opioid abuse. This week Greg sat down with The Admiral to discuss the article and also, Jonathon’s story. He states that “As an admiral I helped run the most powerful military on Earth, but I couldn’t save my son from the scourge of opioid addiction.” After the loss of Jonathon, The Winnefeld Family founded S.A.F.E. (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic) to not only honor his memory but to be a support system for families that have loved ones struggling with this disease. Listen to hear the Winnefeld’s story and also how S.A.F.E. is reaching out to communities to make a difference

In today’s podcast we look at another innovative program featured in the CityLab article, “The Race to Learn What’s Really Happening in the Opioid Crisis,” an app known as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program. Also known as ODMAP, this app gives first responders the ability to document overdose-related data in real time. Greg talks with Linda Poon about this tool and how it allows city officials and law enforcement to have nearly real-time access to overdose data enabling them to pinpoint where people are overdosing so that cities can target their interventions better. Greg also talks with Tom Carr, Executive Director of High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), who led development of the ODMAP program. Tom shares his insight into how this innovative program was developed and the role it now plays in preventing overdoses. Today there are over 1,300 users of ODMAP in 37 states and 34,000 documented overdoses. ODMAP is available free of charge to help communities fight the opioid epidemic

The opioid crisis has been devastating the United States for over twenty years now. Unfortunately, one of the reasons the crisis has been so severe is because the data has been significantly flawed. Greg joins Linda Poon, Assistant Editor at City Lab, to discuss her article “The Race to Learn What’s Really Happening in the Opioid Crisis.” Poon speaks to the city of Cary, NC and how it is using an experimental robot called the Biobot to mine data. One of the ways Cary is tracking and gathering data is by placing the Biobot in manholes around the city to collect samples of wastewater. These sewage samples are being tested for the concentration of opioid metabolites, which is what gets flushed out of the system after the person consumes opioids. Also commenting on the podcast is Mike Bajorek, the Deputy Town Manager for Cary, NC. Bajorek commented on the fact that Biobot is able to deliver data in real time and also pinpoint the demographics from the locations the samples are coming from to build a new set of

Opioid prescribing report cards for physicians and requirements for insurance providers to cover alternatives to opioids for pain management including acupuncture and chiropractor visits are a couple of the innovations in new state laws passed to fight the opioid epidemic. Policymakers throughout the country have begun confronting the opioid crisis through new creative legislation. Recently Greg met with Brian Allen, a policy expert and VP of Government affairs for Mitchell International. Allen advises lawmakers within the pharmaceutical industry, insurance issues and also those that deal with worker’s compensation. He provides insight into new regulations and legislation, publishes industry materials and also speaks at various conferences across the nation. In this podcast, Allen addresses some of the laws that various states have passed and innovative guidelines that have helped confront the opioid epidemic in America in hopes to bring about change.

This week’s podcast features Brandon Chrostowski, founder of Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute. Edwins is an organization that exists to provide skilled training and a number of resources to ex-offenders. 6 million people in the US are imprisoned or under community control and face dozens of obstacles after their release. Employment is one of the largest obstacles they face when attempting to re enter society. It is a vital aspect of their journey because it can help ensure that these offenders don’t become repeat offenders upon their release. Unfortunately, about 60% of ex-offenders are still unemployed up to a year after imprisonment. Edwins seeks to give these people a second chance. Their belief is that every human being deserves a fair and equal future, regardless of their past. Hear how this foundation is equipping individuals with skills and resources that will open up countless opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.