VOICES OF THE FRONT LINES, Creating a Platform for Milwaukee's Unsung Heroes Working to Prevent Drug Overdose Deaths

Voices of the Front Lines is a compelling new podcast hosted by Tahira Malik, founder of Samad’s House, one of the Midwest’s leading sober living homes for women. Malik showcases the unsung heroes— outreach workers, peer support specialists, and advocates for supportive and compassionate care —who work tirelessly to prevent drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee. In 2024,

Milwaukee County tragically lost 450 lives to overdoses, with Black individuals dying at almost twice the rate of White residents, despite the races using drugs at similar rates. But lives are being saved thanks to community resources like Samad’s House, the dedication of frontline workers, and the expansion of harm reduction services, including naloxone distribution and fentanyl test strips, which are critical to saving lives.

 Voices of the Front Lines is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who are making a difference, often against incredible odds.  In the debut episode, listeners learn about the Milwaukee Fire Department’s innovative Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative (MORI), which reviews overdose survivor cases daily and sends teams to provide support and resources. The episode also reveals the heartbreaking reality that some survivors are told there are no residential recovery beds available, and the gratifying moments when individuals make positive changes and thrive. “On this podcast, we’ll share our challenges, triumphs, and the real-world impact of harm reduction in our communities,” Malik explains.

 Malik also issues a Call to Action, urging government leaders, private industry, and philanthropic organizations to take decisive action by ensuring that communities most in need receive adequate resources and funding to combat overdose deaths. “Every individual, every family, and every community deserves the chance to thrive and build a brighter future,” she proclaims. “Together, we can ignite change, transform Milwaukee, and inspire a stronger, more compassionate America. The time to act is now.”

 The episode features raw, unfiltered conversations with guests who share their experiences on the front lines of the overdose crisis and the impact of life-saving, compassionate harm reduction services.  One guest, Jason Gonzalez, founder and CEO of 4th Dimension Sobriety, a Milwaukee-based recovery community, cited the biggest challenge that he faces in helping people with recovery.

 “There's just so many people that are in need,” Gonzalez says.  “We're trying to do the best that we can…We're trying to manage an unmanageable disease and just try to hold people's hands and walk alongside of them while they're going through it. It's difficult.” Another guest is Robert  Rehberger, a lieutenant with the Milwaukee Fire Department and a key member of the MORI unit, which partners with public health agencies, first responders, and community organizations to reduce overdoses.  Rehberger says one of the biggest challenges is getting people into residential recovery facilities. “The funding is very difficult at times to get someone there and challenging just based on how the insurances work,” he says. “I think that's probably the biggest challenge is when someone is ready to take a step further.”

 Amy Molinsky, a clinical substance use counselor and certified peer support specialist with MORI, agreed. “(We) look people in the eyes and tell them ‘I know you want help’ and we're going to keep coming back until we can get you in there. But  I know when I say that I’ll see you later that day, that I might not see them again. That's hard for me because I found recovery, and I want everybody to be able to find it. I want everybody to be able to have what I have because it's beautiful and amazing and wonderful and not everybody gets it.”

 Further, Molinsky maintains that “just love and compassion’ would improve the care and safety of people who use drugs.