Opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and middle and high school students are dying at unacceptable rates. Students across the country are advocating for more education and better access to resources in schools, so they can keep themselves and their peers safe.

In this episode, hear from some of those students, as well as an adolescent health expert, about how the opioid crisis has touched this population, and how they are working to help create a safer future for everyone.

Guests:

• Hays Stritikus, Co-Director, Students Against Overdose
• Dr. Patricia Kapunan, Pediatrician and Adolescent Health Specialist
• Jackson Taylor, student and advocate
• Sujit Hedge, student, advocate and volunteer EMS provider

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

It takes a village to care for a newborn and navigate early motherhood, but mothers with a history of opioid dependency often lack the community support that can help them thrive. Stigma can be a barrier to getting proper care for themselves and their babies, which may be heightened for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Even the act of asking nurses at the hospital for advice can seem daunting.

This episode, we talk to people and organizations who are working to reduce stigma and improve outcomes. By providing compassionate care, both mothers and infants can be set up for success.

Guests:

• Nikole Young, Director at Heart Rock Justus Family Recovery Center
• Tara Sundem, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Hushabye Nursery
• Justin Phillips, CEO and Founder of Overdose Lifeline

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Navigating the criminal justice system can be a difficult experience for anyone, but for people who struggle with opioid use, or those in recovery, these challenges can feel insurmountable. Treatment within jails and prisons is not consistent, and people can be left with more challenges than solutions upon release.

In this episode, we will hear from people doing the work to move the needle and equip people with evidence-based resources to prevent opioid overdose and promote recovery.

Guests:

• Chris Chavez, Regional Manager of Community Programs at HOPE Incorporated.
• Dr. Olivia Sugarman, postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Jason Edgcomb, Superintendent at the LaSalle County Jail

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com