9 episodes

An American dies of an accidental overdose every 8 minutes. Chances are, you or someone you know, has been touched by opioid dependency or overdose. In Countermeasures, we meet some of the people driving positive change to combat the opioid epidemic and destigmatize opioid dependency. Hear the impacts of the epidemic firsthand, and be inspired by the stories of resilience and hope from community advocates, first responders, public health experts and those whose lives have been directly touched by the crisis. Countermeasures is brought to you by Emergent, maker of NARCAN® Nasal Spray. To learn more about what Emergent is doing to address public health threats like the opioid crisis, visit emergentbiosolutions.com

Countermeasures Emergent BioSolutions

    • Science
    • 4.8 • 10 Ratings

An American dies of an accidental overdose every 8 minutes. Chances are, you or someone you know, has been touched by opioid dependency or overdose. In Countermeasures, we meet some of the people driving positive change to combat the opioid epidemic and destigmatize opioid dependency. Hear the impacts of the epidemic firsthand, and be inspired by the stories of resilience and hope from community advocates, first responders, public health experts and those whose lives have been directly touched by the crisis. Countermeasures is brought to you by Emergent, maker of NARCAN® Nasal Spray. To learn more about what Emergent is doing to address public health threats like the opioid crisis, visit emergentbiosolutions.com

    BONUS: The role of government in combating the opioid crisis

    BONUS: The role of government in combating the opioid crisis

    Congress plays an important role in addressing the opioid crisis as a public health emergency. In this bonus episode, hear how policymakers are working to identify solutions that help support our communities and turn the tide on the opioid epidemic. 

    Guests

    Representative Dave Joyce, Ohio’s 14th District

    Jessica Hulsey, Founder and CEO, Addiction Policy Forum

    Resources: 

    Addiction Policy Forum Addiction Policy Forum Training and Workshops

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

    • 16 min
    How Tribal communities are addressing the opioid crisis

    How Tribal communities are addressing the opioid crisis

    Native American communities have been some of the hardest hit by the opioid crisis. To understand why, the historical, social and economic contexts must be taken into consideration. In this episode, hear from experts and those impacted by the crisis to help uncover this important context. Additionally, hear how communities are rallying together to find solutions that incorporate culture and community to support those struggling and seeking recovery. 

    Guests

    Nathan Billy, Behavioral Health Programs Director, National Indian Health Board

    Nickolaus Lewis, Vice Chairperson and Portland Area Representative, National Indian Health Board

    Judith Surber, Author

    Charlene Bingham, MSW

    Resources:

    The National Indian Health BoardReservation High The National Native American Boarding School Coalition (U.S)National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (Canada)
    To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

    • 32 min
    On the front lines of the opioid crisis

    On the front lines of the opioid crisis

    First responders have been on the front lines of the opioid epidemic since it first began, and have witnessed how it has progressed and changed. In this episode, hear from first responders from across the country, and learn about some of the innovative programs they’re running to address this crisis, and connect more people with recovery support. Plus, hear what is being done to support responders who come face to face with the epidemic every day. 


    Guests
    
    Matthew Burgan, Community Paramedic at Frederick County Division of Fire Rescue

    Kevin Joles, Division Chief of EMS at Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and Chair of the EMS section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs

    John Potvin, Director, Division of Emergency Medical Service and Deputy Emergency Management Director, East Providence Fire Department 

    Resources: 

    About Safe StationsPrevent Overdose Rhode IslandLawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Frederick County Division of Fire RescueEast Providence Fire Department 

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

    • 24 min
    Caring for children of the opioid epidemic

    Caring for children of the opioid epidemic

    Generations of children have been impacted by the opioid crisis. Children with a parent or guardian who struggles with opioid dependency often feel isolated and don't know where to turn for support. In this episode, we explore Camp Mariposa, a program run by Eluna that provides a safe and fun environment for children and teaches them important life skills. 

    Guests

    Brian Maus, Director of Addiction Prevention and Mentoring Programs at Eluna 

    Kobe, mentor and former attendee at Camp Mariposa

    Kaia, mentor and former attendee at Camp Mariposa 

    Resources: 

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

    • 23 min
    We'll be back next week

    We'll be back next week

    Thank you for listening to Countermeasures, we’re taking a break this week and will be back next Wednesday, November 29 to bring you more on how children and families are impacted by the Opioid Epidemic. To all of our American listeners, we hope you have a great Thanksgiving. We’ll see you next week

    • 57 sec
    Supporting patients and families in crisis

    Supporting patients and families in crisis

    For people struggling with opioid dependency, the healthcare system can often be overwhelming and difficult to access, but it doesn’t have to be this way. When first responders, medical practitioners, mental health professionals, and public health experts come together, the healthcare systems can be an avenue for compassionate, evidence-based support.

    In this episode of Countermeasures, we explore science-backed innovations that help lower barriers to accessing care, rebuild trust, and improve outcomes.

    Guests: 

    Jessica Hulsey, Founder and CEO, Addiction Policy Forum

    Shannon McLoughlin, Social Worker in Hamilton, Canada

    Resources: 

    Addiction Policy Forum Addiction Policy Forum Training and WorkshopsHamilton Opioid Information System 
    To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
10 Ratings

10 Ratings

orange.jacket ,

A must listen for anyone wanting to learn more about this epidemic

Podcasts such as this are necessary tools in fighting the battle against the very stigmatized world of substance use disorder. The guests on the show all work on the front lines against the opioid epidemic, in one way or another, and so are experts on the subject matter at hand. This podcast is helping dispel common myths and assumptions surrounding this epidemic, therefore helping cut through the noise to provide potential solutions and ways forward. The landscape of the epidemic here is painted in a nuanced light, illustrating just how many factors have led us to where we stand today, from mental health crises, gaps in health care systems, ease of access and lack of sufficient education in regard to such damaging substances, and so much more, all discussed herein. This podcast is a must listen, especially if interested in learning how you can help fight the opioid epidemic, or if simply interested in cultivating a better understanding of this complex and devastating issue.

Aiwasz ,

Important information for everyone.

This podcast is so important for all to listen to. It puts important information on the opioid crisis in a format that is compassionate, easily understandable and also informative.

Salad’s excellent review ,

Fascinating and Moving

I am a nurse and I have used Narcan in the clinical setting. I have seen how quickly it can arouse a virtually comatose patient. I had never previously thought about the use of Narcan in an ‘out of hospital’ setting but it makes perfect sense. So many lives could be saved by knowing when and how to administer this drug. It is common for addicts to go through Rehab several times before getting sober for good. The community use of Narcan could very likely give a person the chance that they need to finally break the cycle of addiction. Kudos to those who are brave enough to speak up about this dire problem in our society.

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