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Someone You Know: Facing the Opioid Crisis Together

Someone You Know: Facing the Opioid Crisis Together

By: Independence Blue Cross Foundation
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About this listen

Opioid addiction is a national public health crisis that affects individuals and families regardless of their age, race, or income. The statistics are overwhelming – more than 130 people die from opioid addiction every day (1). Sadly, stigma and fear of judgment often discourage people from seeking help or even talking about their experiences with opioid misuse. But, there is hope. Recovery is possible. "Someone You Know" is a grassroots public awareness effort of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation to reduce the stigma of opioid addiction and inspire hope in our communities. Tune in to this podcast to hear inspiring stories that challenge stigma and humanize the disease of addiction. Heather Major, Manager of Programs for the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, will guide you through conversations that explore the pain of addiction and the joys of a life in recovery. Make sure to subscribe, and check back in May for more stories from someone you know. Wherever you are on your journey—whether you're struggling with addiction, grieving the loss of someone, or supporting someone in recovery—help is available. Please visit our website for information, resources and inspiration: www.ibxfoundation.org/SYK TM 2020 Someone You Know. All Rights Reserved. (1) https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis Disclaimers This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. This podcast discusses opioid use and opioid treatment and may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Listeners are advised to do their own diligence when it comes to making decisions that may affect their health. Patients in need of medical advice should consult their personal health care provider. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.2019 Independence Blue Cross Foundation Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: The importance of ‘connectedness’ within communities of all demographics (Dr. Latika Davis-Jones)
    Oct 28 2025

    Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dr. Latika Davis-Jones joins our host Heather Major for episode 4 of Someone You Know. 

    This episode was recorded in September 2025, National Recovery Month. In this episode, we discuss:

    ● How Dr. Davis-Jones is leading the charge in elevating the power of recovery in Pennsylvania.

    ● The resource implementations the state is making to showcase that recovery is possible, and that there is hope.

    ● The importance of connectedness within communities of all demographics.

    ● And, the statewide engagement tour Dr. Davis-Jones is currently on

    To learn more about the Life Unites Us campaign, visit www.LifeUnitesUs.com.

    For 24/7 access to the Pennsylvania Get Help Now hotline, that phone number is 1-800-662-HELP.

    Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

    Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org.

    TM 2025 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.

    Disclaimers

    The information contained in this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a medical provider when making healthcare decisions. This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. We will discuss opioid use and opioid treatment, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

    If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

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    36 mins
  • Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: The importance of 'connectedness' within the recovery journey (Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder)
    Sep 24 2025

    Pennsylvania Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder  joins our host Heather Major for episode 3 of Someone You Know. 

    This episode was recorded in May 2025 in front of a live studio audience. In this episode, we discuss:

    • The vast career of Commissioner Winder, spanning various roles in health and human services, particularly with underserved populations
    • The personal connection that influenced her choice to join this line of work.
    • The innovative and strategic ways Montgomery County is striving to use the opioid settlement dollars, to make a real impact.
    • Collegiate Recovery Programs - and how 4 institutions in Montgomery County alone have implemented this program.
    • The importance of Connection in the substance use recovery journey

    Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

    Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org.

    TM 2025 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.

    Disclaimers

    The information contained in this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a medical provider when making healthcare decisions. This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. We will discuss opioid use and opioid treatment, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

    If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Facing the Opioid Crisis Together - 'Connectedness' in creating safe spaces (Stephen Knight of Dogs Matter)
    Jun 10 2025

    Stephen Knight, founder of Dogs Matter joins our Host Heather Major for episode two of Someone You Know.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The story of friendship, connection and fostering of his now 18-year-old dog Jade who sparked Stephen's initial idea for Dogs Matter.
    • How his organization uses connectedness to create a safe space for pet owners during their recovery journey.
    • What it was like to grow up in an environment of stigma and why Stephen does not allow it to define who he is today.
    • And the recognition Stephen received as CNN's Hero of the Year.

    This year, Dogs Matter is on track to help more than 2,000 dogs in Texas alone with more than 80% of those pets from the Dallas Fort Worth area.

    This week, Dogs Matter will be celebrating 10 years of life-saving impact, ensuring that individuals in recovery can get the help they need while knowing their beloved pets are safe and cared for with their Tails of Triumph fundraising event.

    Hosted by Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

    Recovery is possible, and help is available. Please visit our website to learn how we are collaborating to address this crisis: www.ibxfoundation.org.

    TM 2025 Someone You Know®. All Rights Reserved.

    Disclaimers

    The information contained in this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a medical provider when making healthcare decisions. This podcast contains opinionated content and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations this podcast is affiliated with. Nothing discussed in this podcast shall constitute or should be construed as endorsement by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation or Independence Blue Cross, LLC of any product or service discussed herein. We will discuss opioid use and opioid treatment, which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

    If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit ibxfoundation.org/SYK.

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
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