Facing the Opioid Crisis Together - 'Connectedness' in creating safe spaces (Stephen Knight of Dogs Matter)

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.